Tasmania Police said it was called to the area about 12.20pm on Sunday, after receiving reports of a man defacing a shopfront with a paint and a paintbrush.

Police located the man a short distance away, and they will allege he had paint and brushes in his possession.

The man was charged with possessing graffiti equipment in a public place, as well as marking graffiti.

He was bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in July.

Tasmania Police said it would like to thank members of the public who assisted in identifying the man.

It is illegal to possess, carry or use graffiti equipment (such as aerosol paint containers) in a public place without a lawful excuse.

Police have the power to stop, detain and search someone if they have a reasonable belief that they possess or carry graffiti equipment without a lawful excuse.