A MAN from Stroud has been arrested and is currently in police custody following a string of criminal damage offences.

The town has been plagued by a spate of graffiti over the last few months and a number of properties have been damaged.

"We have counted over 40 separate incidences of this tag all over the town," said one witness.

"It's getting ridiculous and something has to be done now - it's brazen."

Common 'tags', related to the offences have been spotted around the town and usually include the words 616, PABLO and GNG.

An individual has been arrested and is currently in police custody.