A WAVE of vandalism against houses and cars in Chester-le-Street has resulted in almost an incident a day being reported to police.

Over the last six weeks or so, there have been about 30 incidents of criminal damage in the west of the town.

Police officers, supported by the district council, have promised action to halt the problem and launched Operation Flummery to bring the attacks to an end.

The vast majority of attacks have seen house windows smashed by bricks and stones, although in some cases cars have been targeted.

The spate of vandalism, which started in May, appears to be concentrated around The Avenues, The Crescent and Bullion Lane areas of the town, but officers say there is no recognisable pattern other than that they are all taking place in the hours of darkness.

The number of police patrols in the area has been stepped up, both with extra officers on foot and in patrol cars.

Operation Flummery is designed to seek information and evidence as well as reassuring the public.

PC Steve Shotton said: "Tackling criminal damage is a local policing priority and we are determined to put a stop to these incidents.

"Residents should not have to put up with the fear and distress caused by vandalism of this kind.

"Whoever is behind it will be identified, apprehended and dealt with by the courts."

Many of the properties affected are council housing and the local authority has promised swift action both to protect its residents and against the perpetrators, if they turn out to be tenants.

Ian Broughton, director of community services, said: "It is totally unacceptable that residents are subjected to living in an environment where the fear of stepping outside their houses is the order of the day.

"The council is working closely with the police to ensure that those responsible for criminal damage and intimidation are shown the red card."

He added: "The council actively works to address anti-social behaviour by visiting the perpetrators and by issuing acceptable behaviour contracts in certain cases.

"We issue warnings and we have evicted some of our tenants for making the lives of their neighbours a misery."

Anyone with information on the recent incidents can call police on 0845 606 0365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.