A GRAFFITI gang targeting an area of Chippenham has been caught after a community responded to calls for action.

Five members of the gang, all aged 15, are expected to be given a final warning by police and ordered to help clear up graffiti in about 30 locations across the town.

The gang mainly targeted the Long Close and London Road area and the Baydons Meadow beauty spot, using the tagline LCC.

Last month, the Chippenham News reported how the North Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership had appointed an anti-social behaviour tsar to deal with problems such as graffiti.

Ian Whiteway spoke to residents and targeted schools in his bid to encourage the community to help catch the gang responsible.

He said: "I sent out 100 leaflets in Long Close and the surrounding roads asking people to come forward with information.

"Thanks to the press coverage and community working together we have managed to overcome much of the problem."

Mr Whiteway said he was amazed by the response from the community.

He said: "They've stood up and dealt with the problem by coming together as a community. Rather then complaining they responded."

A clean-up of the area will take place over the next two weeks.

The five teenagers were not arrested but were questioned voluntarily. They are all expected to be issued with a final warning within the next month.

Mr Whiteway said: "The youths involved really seem to have reformed themselves. It's also about talking to the young person in the street and finding out what they want.

"I think they only reason they did it was because they were bored. They have nothing else to do in the area. We need to look at things for young people to do which suits the majority of the community."

Working in collaboration with the police, the partnership is delighted with the success and hopes to continue the work.

Pc Andy Morley, a community beat manager at Chippenham police, said: "The Neighbourhood Policing Team has been working closely with members of North Wiltshire District Council and the Housing Associations to reduce issues such as anti-social behaviour.

"This result would not have been possible if it wasn't for this partnership approach.

"I am delighted, as we have cleared up a number of crimes that would have normally gone undetected."

A sixth youth has been charged with criminal damage and is due to appear before a youth court.