Thousands of pounds worth of damage caused to properties and businesses across Trowbridge over the weekend is thought to have been committed by two vandals who are believed to have ‘tagged’ more than 70 locations with graffiti.

Police caught two men writing graffiti on the back door of the British Heart Foundation shop in Narrow Wine Street in the early hours of Sunday.

Officers chased them through the town centre and arrested them in the Sainsbury’s car park at 1.50am on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

The two men have since been bailed pending further inquiries. The ‘tags’ identified on the work include Heist, BHC and HEC, written in black marker pen.

A number of other places in Trowbridge town centre have been identified as being damaged and officers are keen to identify further locations.

PC Charlotte Chilton said: “Two men have been arrested and are currently on bail, but we want to identify any further locations where graffiti has taken place, as each one is a separate incident of criminal damage.

“We think they have gone as far as Staverton and Trowle, so if anyone sees anything similar to the tags we have already identified then please let us know. Vandalism like this causes upset and annoyance.

“There is also the financial cost for those affected by the graffiti, which when added up will likely run into the thousands.

“This sends out a message that we will not tolerate any sort of vandalism in the town. We hope with the help of the community we can reduce occurrences, educate persons accordingly and get people to appreciate and respect their local areas.”

Locations police are already aware of include the Asda car park, The Gateway, Bythesea Road, Sainsbury’s and immediate area, Stallard Street, British Row, Castle Street, Timbrell Street and Lower Court.

People who spot more graffitti tags can contact PC 2446 Chilton on either 101 or email charlotte.chilton @wiltshire.pnn.police.uk