A number of "tags" have been sprayed on buildings and property throughout the town, including a railway bridge and a tree.

To track down those involved, PC Ed Rogerson set up the Harrogate Safer Neighbourhood Team group on social networking website Facebook.

He said: "Graffiti is a problem we're fighting hard. We're trying to raise awareness of the most prolific tags because someone will know who is responsible and we want to hear from them.

"We're using Facebook because it's a great way to get the message to young people, those who are most likely to know about who the offenders are.

"Using information provided by the public, Harrogate police have recently arrested and dealt with four graffiti artists.

"We strongly rely on what the public tell us and we take the information provided very seriously."

Sergeant Rob Thorpe of Harrogate Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "The graffiti is a blight on our communities and causes inconvenience, upset and expense to members of the community.

"I would urge people to take a look at the images and get in touch if they can provide any information."

To see all the tags from across the district, go to www.northyorkshire.police.uk

• Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247 and ask for Harrogate Safer Neighbourhood Team, or call Harrogate Community Safety on 01423 55 69 87.

Alternatively you can e-mail saferharrogate@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

See this week's Harrogate Advertiser (May 16) for more on this, including maps and pictures of repeat graffiti "tags".