Anyone who helps secure a conviction could receive a reward

Richmond Council came up with the idea as part of Business Pride, which aims to bring businesses, police and schools together to tackle the problem.

Free graffiti removal is being offered to small businesses and the council is working with young people to stop them getting involved in vandalism.

The council says one person who aided a conviction is set to receive £500.

Chf Insp Simon Phipps, of the borough's police, said graffiti made people feel less safe.

He said: "People's fear of crime rises and there is even evidence to suggest that where graffiti is left to go unchecked the actual incidence of crime rises.

"To really crack down the police need the full cooperation of everyone in the community."

Tony Arbour, leader of Richmond Council said: "Business Pride is about the council working with local people, businesses in particular, to make Richmond upon Thames a better place for everyone who lives here or who visits the borough."