Community volunteers hit back at graffiti vandals during two Mercury-organised clean-ups at the weekend.The events ran in conjunction with Wollongong City Council at graffiti hot spots Lindsay Maynes Park in Unanderra and Nicholson Park in Woonona on Saturday. More than 30 members of the community turned out to clean play equipment at the two parks, which have been defaced regularly in recent months.Wollongong City Council's community partnerships and safety co-ordinator Armando Reviglio said it was a positive and rewarding day."People were very enthusiastic and very keen," he said. "In fact, we finished about half an hour early."Mr Armando said a number of people had also showed interest in the council's campaign to get community champions to adopt a space and take ownership of a small part of their environment.Although the volunteers focused mainly on cleaning up the graffiti, Mr Reviglio said other signs of anti-social behaviour and vandalism, such as smashed glass, were also noted.He said he would now be talking to police colleagues in the crime prevention partnership about this.It was important people reported graffiti, both to police and the council. "We need to know it's there so we can do something about it," he said.To report graffiti, phone the Police Assistance Line 131 444 or the council on 4227 7816.