POLICE patrols have been stepped up in Callow End following a stream of complaints about vandalism and criminal damage to homes.

Residents have had windows smashed, Christmas lights shot out with air guns and stones thrown at their properties.

At an address in Lower Ferry Lane, an outside driveway light was broken twice, while at neighbouring houses a car was sprayed with paint and a cat shot with an air gun.

At a house in Highfields, decorative lights were repeatedly shot out with an airgun and at another property, an object was thrown through a recently replaced bay window.

Beat constable Allan Naulls said: "It's small-scale stuff but there are a lot of incidents and it needs to be nipped in the bud now."

PC Naulls said the trouble was being caused by gangs of 12 to 18 year olds and began in the early evening, which was when police patrols would now take place. He said it was crucial that witnesses came forward with names or descriptions of the vandals.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We've had children coming up the drive and firing BB guns at the windows and while we were away our Christmas lights were stolen.

"It means that you're having to trust people less, put up barriers more and stop being friendly."

Powick Parish Council, which covers Callow End, has also reported an increase in the level of vandalism to its property.

At a meeting last Wednesday, chairman Andy Lamb said the council had forked out £2,000 in the past nine months to repair damage - compared to £400 the previous year.

Tom Wells, ward councillor and leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said he was very disappointed with those causing the trouble.

"We've worked very hard to accommodate youngsters in the village," he said.

"We now have a thriving youth club and just over 12 months ago a lot of money was spent on resurfacing the car park on the village playing field for skateboarding, so it's very frustrating to see this increase in petty crime."