GRAFFITI vandals have struck at a major Swindon store.

TK Maxx in Great Western Way has been daubed in green paint. The tags read IDS and MOE.

A spokeswoman for the store has backed the Advertiser's graffiti hotline, which is a way for people to pass on information about graffiti pests.

The Adver launched the confidential number three weeks ago in response to graffiti being painted on the Old Town Bowl. We wanted to make sure that people could report any information they have about graffiti artists quickly and easily, and so far we have passed on the results of dozens of calls to the police, who have added it to their intelligence.

There have already been two raids on the homes of suspected graffiti artists and more have been promised.

A TK Maxx spokeswoman said: "We support any campaign to reduce graffiti and would urge readers who witness incidents to contact the Advertiser's graffiti hotline."

As well as the Advertiser's hotline Swindon Council and the police have also launched a scheme to find the people behind a series of tags. The most wanted include Fnoc, Dubba, ONS, ON5, Fasa, Snipe, Ekon, Econ, Moke and WGF.

In a joint effort, the council and the police are putting up a £100 reward for anyone who provides them with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of one of the taggers on their wanted list.

Dossiers are being prepared of graffiti damage all around Swindon, and hundreds of pictures have been taken of the vandalism so it can be used in evidence. Anyone convicted of causing more than £5,000 of damage can be sentenced up to six months in prison.

The hotline is on 01793 501880.