PARENTS are being asked to stop their children targeting elderly and vulnerable Spa folk by maliciously knocking on doors and ringing doorbells - and then running away.

The problem is most common in the Chawson area - which has an average of three incidents a day - with less frequent reports from other areas.

A police spokesman said : "What may appear a bit of harmless fun to youngsters - both girls and boys are involved - is often annoying, frightening and sometimes even sinister for elderly or vulnerable people.

"They may often be living alone or are particularly concerned at dealing with life outside their own, small world. Incidents like this are a big issue for them to contend with.

"We would ask all parents of children aged, in the main, between nine and 13, to raise the issue with them, and urge them not to take part.

"Additionally, if they know of other pupils who are doing it we would urge them to let us know, in confidence if necessary.

"We would also say to parents that they should know where their children are, what they are doing - and who they are doing it with.

"If all parents did this then the problem could be resolved comparatively quickly."

The spokesman added that the vast majority of incidents occurred when children are walking to or from school.

"There are occasional incidents later in the evening, but the bulk of the problem is immediately pre- and post-school periods in and around the Chawson area."

He added anyone with information which could help prevent further instances could call contact Community Support Officer (CSO) Keeley Hawkes at Droitwich police on 08457 444888.