POLICE have warned children they will end up in court if they continue the practice of garden-hopping.

Young people are damaging fences, hedges and garden ornaments with what has become a craze in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street.

The challenge is to choose a street and get from one end to the other by running across people's gardens.

Police have been inundated by calls from residents in the Thorntons Close area of the village.

They initially thought it could be something more sinister but after making inquiries police have established it is part of a game among youths.

But damage is being caused and three teenagers, aged 14 and 15, have been arrested and cautioned over the past week.

Inspector Paul Anderson, of Chester-le-Street police, said patrols were being increased in the area and more arrests would be made.

He said: "This sort of childish prank can have serious consequences.

"It is very concerning for people to have gangs of young people running through their garden.

"Many people spend a lot of time working in their gardens to make them look nice and it is distressing to have them trampled on. These young people are not thinking about the impact their actions are having.

"We want them to stop and will be arresting more people if it continues."

If charges of criminal damage or trespassing are brought, young people will find themselves in court before magistrates who could impose a fine or, in extreme cases, a custodial sentence.

Insp Anderson said he hopes the tough stance will warn young people about how seriously police view the matter and reassure residents that action is being taken. He is also concerned that someone could be hurt.

Insp Anderson added: "It is a game and they are treating gardens like an assault course and the challenge is to get from one end to the other as quickly as possible.

"Once they have done it a couple of times they move on somewhere new. But if there is a Doberman or some garden tools lying around someone could be badly hurt."