THE net may be closing on a mysterious vandal who has launched a campaign of graffiti on a beleaguered Botley shopping centre.

Over recent weeks the walls and boarded-up units at the West Way centre have become the canvas for the anonymous graffiti artist on which they have scrawled attacks against the district council and the developers over the handling of the centre's regeneration.

However, site owner Botley Development Company says it has beefed up security following the attacks and claims four recent instances of vandalism were captured on CCTV.

The footage is currently being investigated by police.

Spokesman for Botley Development Company, Dan Bleach said: "We are aware of the graffiti and anti-social behaviour that has taken place in recent months, and have taken various measures to prevent this and protect the Shopping Centre.

"An artwork project, in collaboration with Botley School, was undertaken to help brighten up the hoardings and shopping centre.

"Security has been enhanced, and four recent incidents were recorded on CCTV and are currently under investigation by the Police.

"The centre is cleaned daily and incidents of graffiti are covered as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours."

The redevelopment will see the site transformed into a mixed retail and residential space.