The youths were spotted jumping over the pool fence by a community member on the evening of Thursday, January 7, which set off the security lights.

The community member called the police who apprehended the group in the swimming pool.

The youths caused significant graffiti damage to the pool deck and in the male and female toilets.

They used industrial paint markers to leave their tag.

Pool manager Neil Lavers said it was a senseless act, which was very difficult to clean up.

“These industrial markers are only available at hardware stores and are suitable for builders or bag labelers, but I don’t think children should be able to buy them, because they are very difficult to get off,” he said.

A number of juvenile graffiti offenders have already been charged by police in Merredin over the past few months for causing more than $10,000 in damage in the town.

Tough new penalties for graffiti offenders were announced by Attorney General Christian Porter recently.

Graffiti vandals now face up to two years in jail or a $24,000 fine under tough new penalties that came into effect on January 1.

The new laws have effectively doubled the maximum penalties for graffiti as part of the State Government’s crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Western Australia.

Mr Porter said graffiti increased by more than 30 per cent in WA between 2003-04 and 2007-08.

“Graffiti is just one type of antisocial behaviour the people of this State are fed up with,” Mr Porter said.

“The offence shows complete disregard for private and public property and ultimately costs taxpayers about $25 million every year for government to clean up.

“Between January and November this year 191 adults were charged with 473 graffiti offences and five were cautioned.

“Ninety-four adults were charged with 102 offences of being in possession of graffiti implements.

“A staggering 277 juveniles were charged with 1,473 graffiti offences, which is why we have moved to make it illegal to sell graffiti implements to minors.