CROOKS spray-painting "tags" on homes as easy burglary targets is one theory behind a spate of graffiti attacks sweeping the southern suburbs.

A distinctive tag featuring five straight blue lines has been brandished through Mt Sheridan and Edmonton, on fences, roads, bins and other property in private yards, with one house carrying the tag broken into within the past week.

Social media has been buzzing with warnings as local residents spread the message.

"If you live in the Edmonton area and you have recently noticed spray paint on the road outside your house you are a target for break and enter; the spray paint is a sign for gang members that this house is an easy target," one resident posted on a Cairns crime Facebook page.

Police are begging people to keep their premises secure and remove the graffiti immediately in an effort to deter the offenders.

"It has been identified as a possible marker, tagging people's homes that are easy (targets) so we're just urging people in the area to make sure they are vigilant, lock up, secure their homes," Cairns police Sergeant Cary Coolican said.

"Within the last week we've had these tags pop up around the Edmonton area, so that's why we're getting the message out there and hopefully members of the public can help us.

"Whether or not you've seen someone in the area or you know who's responsible for it, please contact police.

"Certainly the time factor does indicate that it is school holidays and juveniles may be involved."

Cairns Regional Council is responsible for graffiti removal in public areas such as roadways, but if the tags are among private residents, the onus is on owners to remove it.

The incidents follow a graffiti crackdown within the CBD last year where 22 youths were picked up on 722 charges after a month-long blitz on the issue.

However, that operation identified several different tags, while the Edmonton and Mt Sheridan offences are all the same.

Anyone with informationshould contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers. com.au

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