VANDALS suspected of a three-day graffiti spree in Kidlington could be arrested within the next week, police have said.

More than 40 different spots were sprayed with the word 'Motz' between Friday, August 14 and Sunday, August 16, according to Thames Valley Police.

The damage, believed to be the village’s worst graffiti spree in 17 years, has cost hundreds of pounds to clean up.

Among the targeted areas were a bus shelter in Grovelands, a children’s play area at Orchard Recreation Ground, a wall on Bassett Way and a number of vans off Oxford Road.

Sergeant Colin Travi said he was confident the force would be able to make arrests very soon after getting important evidence, including CCTV footage.

Sgt Travi added: “We had little bits and pieces before but nothing this grandiose.

"Quite clearly it has affected the residents and the ambience of the neighbourhood.

“We have two suspects and have some leads and intelligence so we are just trying to gain a picture and tie up all the details and soon we will make an arrest.

“The most expensive damage are to the vehicles because they are people’s livelihoods.”

Sgt Travi estimated that so far, if the suspects are charged, they could face a bill surpassing £5,000 due to compensation owed across the village.

Oxford Mail:

It took Kidlington Parish Council three days to scrub off the graffiti from its privately-owned property, using spirits and scrubs at a cost of £500.

Open spaces manager for the Kidlington Parish Council Lee Hancox, who has worked for the council for 17 years, said graffiti remover would be provided to any residents who have been the target of vandalism.

Mr Hancox added: “We will buy graffiti remover and give it to people to clean.

"I believe that if it is left then it will keep coming back but when we clean it straight away they are not that interested in coming back.

“But this is the most we have cleaned off in 17 years.”

Villagers were sent letters from the police on Sunday warning of recent graffiti attacks targeting vans on Hazel Crescent, Oak Drive, Almond Avenue, Stratfield Road and Lock Crescent.

Oxford Mail:

Gardener Mark Whipp, who has lived on Hazel Crescent for two years, said his van was the target of graffiti on the back, side and front during the early hours of both Friday and Saturday.

Mr Whipp added: “I am concerned it is going to happen again.

“I would say get a life and grow up, I do not know why they would do this.”