THIS is the moment a gang of young vandals targeted the door of a major York store - leaving it defaced with unsightly graffiti.

But the yobs did not realise they had been caught on a hidden camera by residents and business workers, who were sick of their thoughtless actions.

Householders in St Andrewgate had installed the CCTV cameras after vandals repeatedly targeted the streets and buildings around their homes.

The damning pictures have now been passed to the police, who have pledged to investigate any information that could bring a conviction for criminal damage.

Store detective Paul Rollinson, who has worked at Barnitts in Colliergate for 15 years, provided the cameras from his own firm, Rollinson Security.

He said: "We are sick and tired of cleaning off the mess left by these vandals. Installing CCTV seemed like the next step to help protect properties and to deter people.

"I thought I could give something back to the local residents with the special knowledge that I have about surveillance, as well as access to the very latest technology."

The Grade II Listed Barnitts building has been struck by vandals at least ten times in the past few months.

Workers have even applied special paint to doors to make graffiti easier to remove.

Night-time security guards from nearby businesses have agreed to add the street to their patrol routes and residents also keep watch.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said: "We would encourage anyone with information about these attacks to contact the police. Officers will study the pictures to see if an offender can be identified."

A resident of St Andrewgate said: "The graffiti is unsightly and expensive to remove. It is good that we have been able to use the cameras, and I for one hope that we catch even more culprits red-handed."

Ian Thompson, Barnitts managing director, said: "Something has been going on for quite a few months in the area and a lot of time and effort has gone into cleaning graffiti off.

"We have joined the council's York Pride campaign, and it seems a shame that people are ruining all the good work we are doing to improve the streets of York."

Updated: 09:49 Tuesday, May 18, 2004