Over the past few months, many local business owners and residentS have noticed an increase in the amount of graffiti being left scrawled on walls, bins and railings around the Ulladulla CBD.

Last week the problem climaxed, with several large works of graffiti left throughout the CBD.

A brick wall was left a mess after being scrawled with two large colourful 'tags' and dozens of scribbled signatures while other walls, phone booths, railing, bins and council infrastructure was also targeted.

Phillips Centre owner Hans Kasch was left to clean up much of the graffiti over the weekend.

Mr Kasch arrived at work at Soul Pattinsons Chemist to discover a large amount of graffiti left on the walls of the Phillips Centre.

Mr Kasch reported the incident to police and contacted the Times.

"The graffiti has become a real issue over the past few months," Mr Kasch said.

"It seems to be the same signature repeated in the latest incident.

"The graffiti is just that, unsightly graffiti, it is not art."

Mr Kasch said he, and other business owners, were left to clean up the damage and foot the bills.

"Not only did it leave me in a bad mood when I discovered it, it means I will have to put aside extra time on the weekend to clean it off, or to paint over it," Mr Kasch said.

"The idiots doing this are ignorant to the costs business owners face to clean up the mess after them."

Mr Kasch warned those doing the graffiti that he would continue to report offences to the police and anyone caught would face prosecution.

The punishment for being caught defacing property (graffiti) is severe and can include large fines and community service.

Repeat offenders face more serious punishment and probation on top of being fined and serving community service hours.

Shoalhaven Police will continue regular patrols of the Ulladulla CBD and will be keeping an eye out for anyone defacing property.

Shoalhaven Business Chamber Southern Area president Greg Fellows said the rising incidence of graffiti was a serious issue faced by the business community.

"The costs to keep cleaning the graffiti up is large, but it is important business do keep their premises clean," Mr Fellows said.

"Unfortunately graffiti is known to turn many people off shopping in targeted areas, so it is important to clean the graffiti off."

Mr Fellows said graffiti was a social issue that needs to be addressed by the whole community.

Anyone who finds fresh painted graffiti is asked to report it to police through crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 to help police target graffiti hot spots.

* Do we have a serious graffiti problem? Email your thoughts to editorial.mutimes@ruralpress.com.au