Police and council staff have caught graffiti vandals who have been plaguing a town centre during a new crackdown.

Patrols to rid the Southwick area of graffiti have been stepped up in recent weeks after damage costing thousands of pounds has been caused. CCTV cameras are also being used to combat the menace.

Four people have now been caught after being spotted spraying buildings in Southwick recreation ground.

The area is one of the favourite targets for youths along with shops in Southwick Square.

Thousands of pounds of council tax-payers' money has been spent in removing the graffiti.

But as soon as Adur District Council staff were sent out to clean up, the newly-cleaned buildings were resprayed.

Adur Watch inspector Graham Dunn said he spotted four youths daubing buildings in Southwick Recreation Ground while he was out on patrol.

He managed to catch the gang after a chase and they have now been questioned about the damage.

Mr Dunn said: "After a long chase, during which two of the youths tried to escape by running on to the nearby railway track, I managed to catch them with the help of the police."

The youths were questioned and a decision on a prosecution is expected soon.

Mr Dunn said the council often had to employ a specialist company to remove graffiti, which proved very expensive.

The council had set aside money to remove graffiti on community buildings and also private property.

It was also able to provide advice on graffiti and help with the cost of removing it.

Anyone who wants to find out more about the service or who wants to report incidents of graffiti can do so by calling 01273 263040.