 THE homes of teenage graffiti vandals have been targeted in a series of dawn raids across the borough. Police swooped on nine homes in Solihull, Sheldon and Yardley in a bid to quash a gang of youths who graffiti fences, parks, even houses, whilst filming themselves and boasting about their exploits on the internet. The group, who call themselves the Lyndon Youth, or Wreckless Vandals, is believed to comprise up to 30 local teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, and is linked to around 300 cases of criminal damage in Lyndon and Elmdon. It is thought they fuel an even younger group, known as HWS, where 12 to 14-year-olds prove their mettle by spraying graffiti tags throughout Solihull in a bid to 'get promoted' into Lyndon Youth. "We know who they are and have been aware of them for some time," said PC Tim Evans, of Winchcombe Road Neighbourhood Policing Team. "They set up their own web pages, glorifying their graffiti to other gangs, promoting violent and criminal behaviour." Videos the gang had posted on website You Tube, had provided the main piece of evidence for Wednesday's raids. It showed them rapping, one smoking drugs and bragging about their graffiti rampage, but these images have since been removed. The audacious youths were warned prior to the raids what was in store for them. “We went to their schools and spoke in assemblies and asked them quite politely to stop,” said PC Craig Vaughan. “They didn’t, so we asked them again and told them we had warrants. “Then they came back and did worse. Today they’ve had a wake-up call.” Spray cans, computers, digital cameras and mobile phones were among the haul seized by the police during the raids, called Operation Jiltch. There were also schoolbooks where the youngsters had practised their tags. Two youths were arrested yesterday, with the remaining six ordered to appear at Solihull police station today (Friday) and tomorrow, where they will be arrested. PC Evans added: “We will be seeking criminal convictions and criminal ASBOs.” | 
