VANDALS went on a graffiti spree resulting in more than 77 walls, trees, fences and vehicles being sprayed with paint.

Residents around Southbourne woke up to find their properties had been sprayed with the graffiti names or “tags” and Bournemouth councillor Chris Mayne is hoping those responsible can be found.

“We’re not used to this here,” he said.

“We get the odd bit but have had nothing to this extent before.

“We don’t like this in Southbourne and we won’t put up with it.”

When the Daily Echo visited there were 77 pieces of fresh graffiti with at least three different “tags” – the term for the different graffiti names or labels used.

Click here to see the extent of the damage

The worst-hit roads were Carbery Lane with 18, Southbourne Lane East with 15 and Carbery Avenue with 14.

The other roads hit were Wentworth Avenue with seven, Southbourne Lane West had 12, Southbourne Lane Central had three, Pine Avenue had five, Leigham Vale Road had two and the Seafield Road sign was also covered.

It is understood not all the owners of the vehicles affected were able to clean the paint off and the sprays used included green, silver, blue and red.

Debra Niepold, owner of McKinlays estate agents, said she has only started spotting new graffiti in the last three months.

She said: “It’s massive this time.

It’s a huge amount and it’s very frustrating.”

Peter Maynard, 56, moved to Southbourne this summer and had his garage doors sprayed with graffiti.

He said: “I’m new to this area and it’s a bit disappointing to say the least. There’s a lot of graffiti going on.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said they had had a report of the criminal damage in Carbery Avenue.

“It is believed to have happened some time between 11pm on Saturday and 9am on Sunday,” he said.

A PCSO was out checking the paint yesterday and any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call 101.