A GANG of teenage yobs are making life a misery for residents in a York suburb.

Residents living in and around Cornlands Road in Acomb claim they are being terrorised by a mob of up to 30 youngsters who range in age from eight to about 15 who are smashing house windows, breaking into cars and verbally abusing residents.

Architectural technician Richard Sweeting, 39, and his wife, Angela, live off Cornlands Road, and claim they have had three double-glazed house windows broken in three weeks, causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

Meanwhile, they say neighbours have had their cars broken into and older residents are afraid to go outside because the youths become abusive when challenged.

Mr Sweeting said: “We have had nothing but problems for about 11 years, but they are increasing in frequency. Over the past two months there have been a spate of windows put in by kids firing stones from catapults.

“In the past three weeks we have had three windows smashed or damaged.

“You call 999 and the response you get is pathetic. The last time it happened the police didn’t show up for an hour. The kids hang around, but all the police do is move them on and nothing is done about it.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said they are aware of the problem, but needed help from the public to identify the youths in question.

The spokesman said incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage in the Cornlands Road area were being investigated by the Safer Neighbourhood Team and that police patrols had been stepped up.

He said: “Our officers are in regular contact with Mr and Mrs Sweeting and we are doing everything we can to resolve the situation.

“To assist the investigation, we are appealing to local residents who may be able to help identify the suspects to get in touch with the police as soon as possible.” Mr Sweeting said he had spoken to his local councillor, Steve Galloway, on several occasions about the problem and he has lost all confidence in him resolving the problem.

Mr Sweeting said: “I have spoken to Coun Galloway about it and he just doesn’t seem to care. I think it’s time he stepped down and resigned to give a chance to somebody who will be able to sort it out.”

Coun Galloway said: “This is very much a matter for the police to deal with issues of antisocial behaviour.

“I have been in contact with the neighbourhood policing team and they have agreed to put more patrols on in the area.”

Anyone with information about the antisocial behaviour should phone the York Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 6060247 or email YorkNPT@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk