THREE teenagers have received official police warnings after a spate of graffiti across Winsford.

More than 1,000 graffiti ‘tags’ were sprayed in the town last year.

Following an investigation into some of the graffiti in October, search warrants were executed at the homes of three youths, a 15 year-old, a 16 year-old and a 17 year-old.

Officers found cans of spray paint, marker pens and shoe polish bottles with paint hidden inside, along with books of artwork including drawings of the tags.

All three were given final warnings, which are similar to a caution for an adult.

PC Dan Barlow said: “These tags were being sprayed across Winsford and were blighting the town. We worked with schools and colleges in the area to track down the offenders. We then carried out warrants on their homes.

“We issued all three boys with final warnings and have spoken to them about the problems graffiti causes and the ways in which they use their artistic skills in a positive way.”