A GRAFFITI clean-up operation has now cost authorities “well in excess of £10,000”, police have revealed, after officers released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to an incident.

As reported previously in the Advertiser, numerous writings have appeared across the town in recent months, many of which feature the tag ‘Ease’ or ‘Eaze’.

The graffiti has been seen in the High Street, Waterloo Court, Union Street, Vigo Road and many more areas, including the Vigo roundabout underpass which was previously decorated with a public mural.

Police say the first time they were made aware of such an incident was on September 27, last year, when a similar tag was found at the rear of the Photos 2 Print shop in Bridge Street.

Numerous other incidents have since been reported across Andover, with various organisations joining in the clean-up operation.

Hampshire Highways have had to remove tags from various bridges and underpasses. Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) have repeatedly removed "defacements" from places like car park pay booths, green and grey utility boxes, bus stops and litter bins.

And Aster have removed graffiti from several of their properties around the town as have numerous private landlords and homeowners who have been all been victims.

The total bill for cleaning up these tags is now estimated to be well in excess of £10,000.

Police have now issued a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the earlier mentioned incident in Bridge Street.

Andover Advertiser:

A statement from Hampshire Constabulary read: “Criminal damage on this scale is not acceptable and affects where we all live and work.

“As part of our enquiries, we’re now in a position to release an image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with the incident in Bridge Street.

“He may hold information that could help our enquiries.

“If you know who he is, please contact us on 101, quoting the reference number 44190353874.”