RESIDENTS of a normally peaceful community have been angered by an egg-throwing craze.

About a month ago, Yarm police started receiving reports of eggs being thrown at people's houses.

Now they have coined the term "egging" to describe the latest craze that is sweeping Teesside.

PC Steve Passman, a community police officer for Eaglescliffe, said the problem was particularly bad on certain estates.

He said: "In Eaglescliffe, the Preston Estate is the worst hit, but it has spread into the Sunningdale and Orchard Estates as well.

"One night one house might get half a dozen eggs, and the next night several houses might get one each. It's happening about four or five times a week."

PC Passman said the problem had worsened over the past week, to the point where many shops in the area were now refusing to sell eggs to children.

He said: "It started as a prank but it has got out of hand. Last week, probably because of the dark nights and kids getting into the mischief side of Halloween, it came to a head."

The pranks have left victims annoyed, and in the case of some elderly people, upset.

PC Passman said: "People are annoyed that they have to go out and clear up the mess. There have been incidents where people have got quite upset."

Now community police officers have joined forces with Stockton Borough Council to tackle the problem.

Even where there is no damage to properties, the police plan to use stop and search powers and implement anti-social behaviour orders.

PC Passman said they are determined to prevent the problem becoming more serious.

"So far, it hasn't escalated into damage but the potential is there," he said.

"We are going into schools to warn children against it and we are asking parents to look at their own kids and check their fridges."

Marjorie Galloway, the chairman of Preston Parish Council, said: "I think it's disgusting. I wonder if their parents know what they are doing?"

Mrs Galloway said she would raise the matter at the next parish council meeting.