Barnet Police have a new weapon in the fight against graffiti.

Detective Inspector Paul Anstee says it planned to take advantage of the fact that graffiti 'artists' often sprayed personalised signatures which officers could now use to identify them.

A database of such graffiti 'tags' found throughout the borough will be used to pin-point the culprits.

Once identified, the officers can apply for a warrant to search the author's home address.

"There is a lot of practice involved and pride taken in the tags," said Detective Inspector Paul Anstee.

"When we have searched addresses we have discovered identical tags on bedroom walls, bedroom doors, notepads and music sleeves as well as spray cans and even photographs of offenders at work at the scene of the crime," he added.

But the new database proved little use dealing with vandalism at allotments in Deans Lane, Edgware, on October 4. The thugs left National Front and British National Party symbols, swastikas and offensive anti-Muslim slogans but no tags.

"They just sprayed random insults which makes it quite difficult for us," said Det Insp Anstee.

"We are still appealing for information we have had nothing constructive in at this stage and we have got no leads we can follow up."

Witnesses, or anyone else with information, should call the Community Safety Unit on 020 8200 1212.

October 17, 2001 10:28