YOUNG hooligans have been plaguing a north Durham community with attacks on property and anti-social behaviour – prompting some people to consider moving out of the area.

Police have appealed to parents to find out where their children are on an evening following a catalogue of problems in estates along the Sustrans Cycling track, in Stanley, County Durham.

In one of the latest incidents, police were called out when two teenagers threw a stone through the rear window of an Audi A3 parked outside a property in Orchard Grove, Shield Row.

PC Chris Watson said: “The car owner’s wife had just put their child to bed, at about 7.45pm on Monday, when he heard a pop and a car alarm go off.

“He realised it was their car and went out looking for the suspects. He saw two males in the distance in Shield Row Gardens area.

“They swore at him ran off in different directions when he approached them.”

Orchard Grove - developed in the last five years - has the Sustrans track running between it and Shield Row.

PC Watson said: “There are several other estates linked with the track and there has been a high number of incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage which have been reported in the past six months.

“These are mainly focused on the properties facing onto the track. One property, in particular, has had the lion’s share of problems.

“Recently, a previously closed part of the estate has been opened up and the youths have entered the estate from this direction.

“A neighbourhood watch group has been established and some people are considering moving from their homes due the constant problems.”

He added: “Residents are dreading the first fall of snow as this traditionally will make the problem worse.

“Could I appeal to parents to know where their children go on a night time when they leave their homes, as they may be causing misery to local people.”

PSCO Fiona Wright is liaising with residents and the neighbourhood watch group.

Anyone with information on the latest incident should contact Durham Police on 101, quoting incident DHM-16122013-0410.