Graffiti tags were sprayed on buildings on the shopping stretch on Saturday night, renewing calls for tougher penalties for offenders.

Member for Charlestown Andrew Cornwell said the style of graffiti was new to the area.

‘‘These are new tags, there are the usual suspects in Cardiff but I’ve never seen them before in this area,’’ he said. ‘‘I’d encourage any member of the community that recognises these tags to call Crime Stoppers.’’

Cardiff Chamber of Commerce president Robert Denton was up at 6.30am yesterday cleaning the graffiti from the walls, windows and doors.

Mr Cornwell was urging residents and local members to lobby government to amend the Graffiti Control Act 2008.

Under the act young offenders can get away with a caution from investigating officers and specialist youth officers.

New laws put forward in parliament last August would have removed that right and enabled a court to impose certain orders in relation to an offender’s driver licence.

A person found guilty in court and given a community service order would also have to remove graffiti and restore the appearance of buildings as part of their punishment.

The proposed amendment passed through the lower house yet was rejected in the upper house by the Greens, Shooting Party and Labor.

‘‘They’re playing party politics and have blocked the legislation for no other reason,’’ Mr Cornwell said.

‘‘Laws to increase penalties for graffiti would be an active deterrent.’’

Members of the public who have any relevant information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.