There is artistic graffiti... and then there's vandalism. And a St Julian's resident was not amused this morning when she discovered elaborate graffiti spoiling the old bare stone facade of her house.

Joanne Cassar was shocked when she saw the painting as she was driving her car out of the garage.

"This was the second time this has has happened in as many years," she said, pointing out that she was sure the vandalism was random.

The facade is located on Main Street corner with Carmel Street, a busy area in St Julian's. Although it is not in the centre of entertainment spots, residents have said they have suffered the consequences as revellers walk through on their way home.

Ms Cassar said she had not reported the graffiti incident to the police yet, because when the first case took place two years ago, the officers hardly took any interest. 

The damage, she said, was considerable as this had been a well-preserved facade and removing the graffiti from the bare stone would incur a considerable expense. Among the words painted were 'Il mio dolce preferito' (My favourite sweets).

She regretted that the neighbourhood "never" sees police patrol despite the obvious problems.

Youths walking back on their way home have been accused of not only being loud, but have also been seen climb on car bonnets and roofs, badly denting them.