Mindless vandals who are throwing stones at residents on a Norfolk housing estate have been criticised by a community leader for the area.

Eastern Daily Press: A play park on the Redcastle estate in Thetford. Picture: ANTONY KELLYA play park on the Redcastle estate in Thetford. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

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

Thetford mayor Denis Crawford, who also represents the estate as a town and district councillor, said: 'There are quite a few people up in arms about it. Street lights are getting damaged. It has been an ongoing problem in Thetford for quite a while.'

Asked how he thought it could be stopped, Mr Crawford said: 'The only thing is to educate people. You also need to have a few more officers on the ground.

'I've never understood why people do vandalism. You don't gain anything from vandalism. Some people just think it's fun.'

Police 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.

Sgt Andy Crown, from the Breckand Operational Partnership Team, said: '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.

'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 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.