TRADERS in a north Durham town centre are being targeted by young vandals who are breaking their windows.

The yobs are costing traders in Stanley hundreds of pounds by regularly smashing glass with bricks.

Pamela Reddock, owner of Fusions hairdressers, in Front Street, has spent £1,200 replacing her windows five times in the last month.

Her salon has been broken into twice and she has had products stolen, as well as £150 in Christmas tips for her staff.

She said: "We all work so hard and it is soul-destroying to come to work and find the windows have been put in again. We have to put a brave face on for the customers but it really is awful.

"We are so busy, especially at this time of year, and it really makes you sick."

Inspector Ian Proud, of Stanley Police, said rubble from schemes designed to regenerate the area was being used as ammunition.

Insp Proud said: "We are dealing with up to ten incidents a week where we are getting windows broken at various premises.

"People should be spending their money on ways to enhance their business for use by the local community.

"Instead, they have to repair their windows and it is not just private firms.

"They have also targeted the social service building in Front Street and they are there to help people with problems.

"Not only that - but it is funded using public money that people pay their taxes for and it is being spent on repairs. It is totally mindless."

He said police patrols were being stepped up in the area to tackle the problem over the Christmas holidays and into the New Year.

Insp Proud warned that young people causing wanton destruction would be arrested and face the courts where they would end up with a criminal record.

He said: "They are getting no benefit out of causing this damage and if they are caught it would seriously affect their job prospects.

"I would urge whoever is doing this damage to stop it immediately.

"It is not fair on the people it is affecting and they are gambling with their futures to impress their mates."

Police believe the same young people are responsible for causing damage at the bus station and the health centre.

The situation was so bad medical services were being cancelled because staff could not open rooms due to the damage.

Anyone with information about those responsible can call 0845-60-60-635.