Residents have been left frustrated as beach huts were yet again vandalised with graffiti.

About 15 of the shacks overlooking the scenic Tankerton coastline were daubed in cryptic messages by a nuisance tagger.

Owners say the vandalism appears to be directed at someone in particular due to it mentioning a name, which KentOnline has decided not to publish, but has been used in previous incidents.

The phrase “paedo” was sprayed on some of the shacks on Wednesday, October 18.

Warren Jarvis, whose beach hut was damaged, says it is “frustrating” the properties haven targeted by the same vandal, or so it seems, over the past three years.

He went on: “Unfortunately, they are dragging in innocent parties who have been caused misery and it is costing them.

“Over the past 18 months, there have been about 100 incidents but hardly any of them have been reported to the police, which makes it hard to get the resources, harder for the police to investigate and for the council to repair them.”

Mr Jarvis, who lives in Tankerton, says he has sanded down and repainted his hut, which took him about three days, and cost £200.

“There was also an attempted break-in this year,” he added.

“There are some huts down there which have been targeted multiple times. Graffiti is very difficult to deal with at the best of times and it can be quite random.

“But this is more than just graffiti.”

Earlier this year, Tankerton and Whitstable beach hut owners told how their seaside cabins were “looking more like fortresses” as they rallied around to guard themselves from thieves.

‘There are some huts down there which have been targeted multiple times...’

It was branded the "worst winter" of crime after a spree of break-ins and vandalism.

Police say they have only had two reports of the most recent vandalism, but other victims may not have come forward due to the time of year.

“We were contacted on Wednesday, October 18 and it was reported beach huts near Marine Parade, Whitstable had sustained criminal damage,” a spokesman said.

“Anyone with any information about the incidents is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/187060/23.

“Owners of any beach hut which has been damaged who are yet to report it should do so online, or call 999 if a crime is in progress.”