Reckless people throwing stones at residents are to be targeted by police as part of an anti-social behaviour crackdown on a Norfolk housing estate.

Officers in Thetford have stepped up patrols on the town's Redcastle estate after receiving six reports of stone-throwing there in the past month.

They have also pledged to 'use all resources available to us' to catch those responsible.

In recent years police have worked hard to stop anti-social behaviour in Thetford and the surrounding area, reducing it by 47pc in the Breckland district over five years up until January 2017.

However Sgt Andy Crown, from the Breckand Operational Partnership Team, said stone-throwing had become a 'real problem' on the estate in the past few months, with numerous calls made by residents to police to report incidents.

'Frustratingly, very little information is available by the nature of these youths actions – these incidents are very spontaneous and as they often run away they are rarely seen,' he added.

'Despite efforts, we are unaware of who is responsible and I make a plea to the public for assistance for information.

'If you see anyone throwing stones in a reckless manner please contact us on 101. Damage caused from throwing stones is a criminal offence and we will use all resources available to us to locate and deal with offenders.'

And he urged the perpetrators sign up to 'acceptable behaviour contracts' or ABCs, with monthly meetings to allow them to work with police to address their behaviour issues.

'This process has proved very successful and eight out of 10 often sort their lives out and do not come to the attention of the police again,' he said.

'I accept that in the main, many youths in Thetford are well behaved – but alas victims are being affected by a minority who are involved in the majority of these incidents.

'We will work with these youths and their families, supported by partner agencies such as housing providers to try and address behavioural issues.'Anyone with information about stone-throwing on the Redcastle estate should contact Norfolk police on 101.

Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.