DO YOU know the criminal hand behind these graffiti attacks?

If you do, you could scoop up to £1,000 in the next stage of the York Police "turn in a tagger" campaign.

The successful drive, backed by the Evening Press, has already brought several paint-wielding vandals before the courts.

Now senior officers are turning their attention to some of the most prolific individuals who have caused thousands of pounds in damage. They want the public to help them identify the person behind the Cedex symbol that can be seen on walls, businesses, street signs - and even a gas meter on the side of a church.

As our pictures show, the tag, a kind of graffiti signature used by vandals, has appeared in Hull Road, Navigation Road, Clifton, and also near York Hospital.

The person who can lead officers to the successful prosecution of the culprit could receive up to £1,000 from a Crimestoppers fund.

Calls are anonymous, free and will not appear on a phone bill and can be made 24 hours a day to 0800 555 111.

Sergeant Richard Crinnion, who is leading the campaign, said Cedex was one of the most prolific offenders in the city.

He said: "We've had some good successes already with this campaign and it's inevitable that Cedex will be caught.

"We want to keep up the momentum and keep the pressure on the criminals.

"This is not a victimless crime. It's a cowardly crime that costs the city tens of thousands each year."

He said: "If you are a victim of this offender then please report it to the police.

"It will help us to build up a picture of what's happening."

Five people have been arrested and two teenage vandals dealt with by the courts since the Press launched "turn in a tagger" in February.

The graffiti-busting campaign has since been named the most successful of its kind ever run in the UK. Crimestoppers regional co-ordinator, Detective Sergeant Ian Frogget, said it was "astounding", and Louise Casey, of the Home Office's antisocial behaviour unit, also singled it out for praise.

In June, yob Daniel Farmeary, 18, Lamel Street, off Hull Road, York, was ordered to spend 180 hours cleaning up graffiti after he admitted 25 attacks that cost more than £6,000 to clear up.

Another vandal, Alan Crosby, 19, of Acomb, was threatened with prison in April, but escaped with a 200-hour community punishment order.

Both were caught as a result of calls to Crimestoppers following the Evening Press publicity.

Updated: 11:01 Friday, August 19, 2005