A group of 15-year-old taggers from Simi Valley were arrested recently after being caught “redhanded,” according to police.

The two juvenile boys and two juvenile girls were cited for graffiti vandalism.

On Feb. 2, officers from Simi Valley Police Department’s Special Problems Section responded to the call of a tagging in progress at the rear of businesses at 2680 Tapo Canyon Road, near the Ventura County Credit Union.

The officers found wet graffiti on several buildings in the area and located the four suspects a short distance away.

The teens had wet paint on their hands, the same color as the fresh graffiti. They also had spray paint cans and admitted to the officers they were responsible for the tagging, a police report said.

Police were able to connect the suspects’ tagging monikers to several other incidents of graffiti in the immediate area of Tapo Street, Adam Road and Tapo Canyon Road.

The combined damage for these incidents was estimated at more than $3,000, police said.

The juveniles were cited for felony vandalism, conspiracy and possession of spray paint with the intent to commit vandalism. They were released to the custody of their parents.

Though the taggers are minors, the police department said it has a zero tolerance policy for graffiti and will prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.

In addition to the fines and jail time imposed by the courts, the city will pursue restitution in civil court for the damage that results from these crimes.

The parents of juvenile suspects who engage in tagging may also face penalties that include large fines.

Residents who observe suspects tagging are urged to call the police emergency number, (805) 583-2911.

To report an act of vandalism where the suspect wasn’t seen or has fled, call the 24-hour graffiti hotline at (805) 583-6444.