A POLICE officer is calling on people in Worcestershire villages to name and shame yobs who are leaving a trail of destruction and frightening residents.

Groups of youths roaming the streets after dark have been taking pot shots at Christmas lights in Callow End and frightening people in Powick and Collett's Green, say police and worried residents.

Vandalism has cost council taxpayers more than £2,000 in the past nine months, representing seven per cent of the parish precept and eating into funds set aside for community grants.

The money has gone to replace damaged noticeboards, a wrecked street lamp and vandalised doors at Callow End sports pavilion.

Now parishioners are being urged

to name the culprits and help put a

stop to the behaviour.

Police beat manager Alan Naulls said the troublemakers in Callow End were 12 to 18-year-olds, who ought to be kept under parental control.

During December there had been a spate of incidents, including stones being thrown at windows and outside lights being damaged - one of which was broken for a second time.

A pellet gun had been used to smash Christmas tree lights.

"We want to stop it before it goes too far, but I need witnesses," said PC Naulls, at a meeting of Powick Parish Council.

Richard Bull, a spokesman for West Mercia police, added: "We would like the public to report anything suspicious to help the police continue to successfully tackle both crime and anti-social behaviour."

Clerk Michelle Phillips said the cost of vandalism had "shot up out of all proportion" and chairman Andy Lamb warned the parish precept might have to be reviewed in March.

Eve Birch said people knew what was going on, but tended to go inside and shut their doors rather than call the police.