NEWPORT: Teens graffiti cars, shops in Challis Street

Two teenagers have gone on a crime spree overnight, vandalising cars and shops before trying to steal a car in Newport.

A car owner told police he saw two teenage boys trying to break into the car parked outside his house in Challis Street, Newport, about 3.45am on Monday.

When the owner confronted the boys, they ran off along Railway Avenue and were last seen running across railway tracks.

Victoria Police spokesman senior constable Adam West said the boys had already graffitied at least 18 cars on the street and tagged several shops before breaking into the car.

Police estimated the vandals caused at least $50,000 in damage.

Anyone with information about the crime spree – including the owners of the damaged cars – are asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.