GOLF balls have been used as missiles to cause a spate of criminal damage to property and cars.

Residents living behind a driving range in Yarm, near Stockton, have had their house windows smashed and cars vandalised in the pasted six weeks.

Police believe the damage has been caused by someone using a golf club to hit lost balls over the fence after dark.

There has been six incidents in the past six weeks, with one house hit on two consecutive days.

Properties in Canon Grove, Stonehouse Close and Hemingford Gardens have all been affected.

PC Helen Dixon, of Yarm Neighbourhood Police Team, said: "This is a new problem, it is normally a quiet area. This is causing a nuisance to the people living in the area.

"Someone or a group of people are using the golf balls as missiles. No-one has been injured yet but there is a concern this could happen.

"If anyone sees people hanging around we would like them to tell us. It is really important we stop this problem."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Yarm Neighbourhood Police Team on 01642-302930 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.