A CASH reward is being offered to identify a graffiti tagger who has vandalised the front of one of Swindon's most popular venues.

The front of the MECA, as well as some of the brilliant murals that local artists have been painting on the hoardings of the Kimmerfields site as part of Swindon Paint Fest, were defaced last week.

The culprit appears to be one or more people who use the tag JIGS or OFK. 

Justin Britchford, who has spent years transforming The MECA into a well-loved entertainment venue and spent thousands of pounds of his own money decorating it, has said he is extremely disappointed by the actions of the tagger. 

He is now offering £250 in cash to anyone who can help identify them. 

"I have done a lot to try and make The MECA the place it is today, not for me, but for the people of Swindon because I am tired of seeing the town get criticised. 

"But it's things like this that ruin it, it's just a complete and utter disrespect."

The incident has been reported to Wiltshire Police with a spokesperson asking for witnesses.

"We have received a report of criminal damage to the front of the MECA building in Regent Circus," they said. 

"It is believed the damage happened between 11pm on September 1 and 9am on September 2.

"Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54230092659."