A TEENAGER has been accused of two graffiti attacks that caused damage of almost £1,000 to public and private buildings in York.

The 19-year-old, who has not been named by police, is due to appear before magistrates in the city tomorrow to answer two allegations of criminal damage.

The police action comes only weeks after officers urged residents to "turn in a tagger", in a campaign backed by the Evening Press.

Cash rewards of up to £1,000 are up for grabs to those who can put names to taggers - the slang name for vandals who scrawl their "signatures" on public places.

Sergeant Richard Crinnion, who is behind the drive, said "a number" of calls have been made to the anonymous information line.

He said the charges followed the youth's arrest in the city centre by a store detective and a subsequent investigation.

He said: "This is just the beginning of our efforts. We are determined to do everything in our power to stamp out graffiti in York."

The 19-year-old has been accused of causing damage estimated at £480 to a wall at supermarket Kwik Save, in Hull Road, in December.

He has also been charged with damaging the wall of a changing room building at Knavesmire between January 24 and 31. The damage to the City of York Council-owned building is also estimated at £480.

He also faces a further charge of stealing Kodak photographs worth £5.39 from Boots, York, on February 15.

Last week the Evening Press revealed pictures of work done by the "top ten" most prolific taggers in York and appealed to readers to help trace the hands behind the spray cans and indelible pens. York Police have created a database of distinctive graffiti tags which they hope will help them link offences and target offenders.

Council figures reveal there have been more than 500 graffiti attacks on public property. The figure is believed to show only part of the problem because incidents are often not reported by residents. Anyone with information about those responsible for graffiti vandalism has been asked to phone Crimestoppers, for free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

Updated: 10:14 Tuesday, March 15, 2005