New London — City police have announced a new "Graffiti-Free New London" program, aimed at "identifying vandalized properties and teaming-up with youth volunteers to remove the graffiti."

The initiative is a partnership with the Building Department, Community & Campus Coalition, and Youth Affairs in the city, police said in a news release announcing the initiative.

The Home Depot in Waterford has provided paint, rollers and other supplies for graffiti abatement.

People can report tagging or graffiti on any New London building by calling the blight inspector at (860) 447-5240 or the crime prevention officer at (860) 440-6673.

A list of vandalized properties will be put together, and volunteers will paint over or remove the graffiti for free on specified dates, police said. This program will run during the spring and summer on a first-come, first-served basis.