Officers from Sutherland local area command were called to the corner of Box Road and Railway Parade about 1.30am today.

"Upon arrival, officers observed a balaclava-clad man standing on top of a shop awning spraying paint on an exterior wall,'' a police spokesman said.

"The graffiti covered an area about seven metres wide and two metres high.

"Police approached the man, who attempted to flee the scene but was taken into custody and searched.

"Officers allegedly located several spray cans in his possession.

"He was taken to Sutherland police station and charged with malicious damage before being conditionally bailed to appear in Sutherland Local Court on December 10.''

Police Minister Michael Daley, speaking in State parliament, praised the officers and added, "we can only imagine the damage that could have been done''.

Mr Daley also waved around a copy of today's Leader, which reported reaction to the Government's tough new legislation to crack down on graffiti vandals.

What do you think can be done to stop graffiti?