POLICE are urging people to "shop" the vandals in an effort to stop persistent anti-social behaviour in the market town of Pickering.

In one recent incident, youths carved graffiti into a wooden table in Riverside Walk, causing £200 damage.

Community safety sergeant Cliff Edens said police were working hard to combat the problem but he appealed for help from residents who might have more information.

"The Ropery area is a problem to the police and we have done problem-solving exercises to tackle the issue," he said.

"There has been a high-profile police presence in the area and that reduced incidences of nuisance for a couple of months, but we can't do that all the time."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ryedale Witness Line on (01723) 509662.