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Alleged graffiti artist's skills cop a spray from Northern Territory police

An alleged graffiti vandal's artistic skills have copped a spray from police, who observed him at work via CCTV.

Watch Commander Brendan Lindner said surveillance camera operators in Darwin spotted a man spraying graffiti on a building at Casuarina Village, in Darwin's northern suburbs, just before midnight on Saturday.

"An operator then alerted the Casuarina Patrol Sergeant who was patrolling in a nearby suburb," he said.

Cmdr Lindner said the man continued to paint what he described as "some kind of large letters" on the wall with both an aerosol can of black paint and a pump-action weed sprayer filled with blue paint.

"He continued to run into the shadows to hide as he re-pumped his sprayer."

Cmdr Lindner said the man was seen packing up his gear and leaving the scene of the alleged crime.

"He walked off along Bradshaw Drive and into Symes Street... conveniently in the direction of Casuarina Police Station."

The man was then apprehended by police, who identified him as a 24-year-old from Muirhead, also in Darwin's north.

"After denying involvement, he soon changed his tune and admitted his offending when informed that police had been watching him the whole time," Cmdr Lindner said.

"When asked his reason for the graffiti, he claimed to be an artist. After having a look at a photo of his artwork, it is fairly self-evident that he needs some lessons at art school."

The man's painting equipment was seized and he was issued a Notice to Appear for Damaging Property.

"He is required to attend court in February and explain his actions to a Magistrate. The footage will remain on file which can be played to the court in the event he decides to contest the charge."