PEOPLE can grab a grand simply by naming graffiti vandals who attack buses and trains in West Yorkshire.
The offer of up to £1,000 for information has been put up by Crimestoppers in a new blitz to catch those responsible for scrawling graffiti, etching windows or other forms of criminal damage.
The cash offer is being highlighted in a huge publicity blitz across Yorkshire.
The campaign has drawn in police from the West Yorkshire force's Target campaign, along with Crimestoppers, British Transport Police, Metro and bus and rail operators.
Transport operators face repair bills of thousands of pounds because of graffiti, window etching and criminal damage.
It also means there are fewer buses on the roads while they are being repaired.
Posters displaying hard-hitting messages will be displayed throughout the county.
Common graffiti ``tags" or etches in each county will also be shown on posters to find out who is behind them.
Anyone with information will be encouraged to Turn In A Tagger, while those causing the damage will be warned that the offence carries fines up to £2,000.
Det Sgt Ian Froggett, Crimestoppers' regional co-ordinator, said: "Such vandalism is a costly eyesore and increases the fear of crime.
"We are asking the public to ring us on 0800 555111 with information about the individuals they believe are responsible.
"If that individual is arrested and then charged with criminal damage, the caller can claim a reward of up to £1,000.
"It's as simple as that and the caller always remains anonymous."
Phil Stone, Arriva Yorkshire's managing director, added: "Graffiti and etching not only costs money, but buses have to be taken off the road for repairs.
"Vital services cannot be operated, inconveniencing customers," he added. "This kind of vandalism is a growing problem, which we hope the people of Yorkshire will help us to address."
As part of Target's Safer Transport Initiative, plain-clothes police will support the new scheme.
They will be on buses and trains and stake out stations to arrest anyone causing criminal damage.
Chief Insp Keith Boughen, of Target, said: "Our message to would-be trouble-makers is beware. CCTV and undercover officers are keeping an eye on you.
"If you're thinking of vandalising a train, bus or shelter then think again.
"Whether it's us or a member of the public happy to report you and claim a reward, someone's always watching."
Steve Graham, managing director for First West Yorkshire, said: "The vast majority of our services run trouble-free. But there are certain areas where vandalism on buses is becoming a problem.
"The increasing trend towards window etching and tagging is costly and distressing to customers."
Chief Insp Terry Nicholson, of British Transport Police, said: "Graffiti is not an art. It's vandalism and a blight on the area where it occurs.
"We will pursue prosecutions and have already secured convictions."
