A PENSIONER says she is afraid to leave her home after vandals smeared explicit graffiti on her house and those of neighbours, as well as their cars.

The 80-year-old, who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, said the graffiti was the latest in a trouble spree spanning more than two years, which had seen youngsters throw stones at her, urinate outside her property and steal doorbells, bottles of milk and dustbins.

The grandmother, of Blackford Close, Birchen Coppice, said she had been alerted to the foul language graffiti sprayed on to cars and windows and doors of houses on Saturday night in a phone call from a 69-year-old neighbour who was in tears.

West Mercia Constabulary spokeswoman, Lynne Masters, responded to the claims by saying police were aware of ongoing problems in the area but were being hampered by the fact residents were reluctant to come forward with information.

Sergeant Kevin Lynott explained that without formal statements from residents, police were unable to take their complaints to the next level - anti-social behaviour orders - ASBOs - which could result in prison or fines if breached.

"We have responded with regular patrols of the area and have special constables policing the area too," he said. "However, it is not simply enough to report these matters to us.

"We fully understand the stress such anti-social behaviour causes but urge those whose lives are affected to take collective responsibility.

"By giving a formal statement to the police, you can help us to help you and your community."

Ms Masters added police were looking to work with the Victim Support Scheme to help convince residents.

The victim who contacted the Shuttle/Times and News about the graffiti said another bungalow's window had been smashed by an air gun pellet around three weeks ago.

"We're all widows along here so they think we can't do anything ... it's just one thing after another," she said.

"On Saturday night, when I saw the windows and cars, I just trembled all night in temper and it can't carry on like this," she added.

"It makes you frightened to go out and leave your house because you never know what's going on."

A 78-year-old man, whose car was sprayed with graffiti on Saturday night, said its petrol line had been cut three or four times in the past year.