A BUNCH of teenage yobs are making life hell for residents of a Westleigh street.

Now neighbours in Browning Street are calling on police to step-up patrols in unmarked cars to catch the teenagers in the act of destroying property and cars.

According to residents the 12-strong gang have sprayed paint stripper and hot fat on cars, stolen and set fire to wheelie bins, poured acid on front doors, and used the street as a public urinal.

And when confronted by neighbours, the thugs have been abusive and threatened more damage.

And council bosses have hit out at the wreckers who have also broken all seven street lights in the street after ripping off the metal doors and damaging internal electrical fitting. It will cost more than £1,000 to repair the damage.

A council spokesman said: "This was an act of senseless vandalism. Those responsible are not only risking serious injury or worse to themselves, they could be endangering the lives of youngsters. Someone could be killed if it carries on."

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "This crowd of scum are making life miserable for ordinary people here who just want to lead a normal, quiet life. I am not just talking about lads either, for the gang has girls who are just as bad.

"It's time the law did something to get rid of these people off the street but it's no good just turning up in police cars, what is needed is undercover police to watch the street and to make some arrests, because these people are ruining our lives."

And another neighbour, who also declined to be named, said: "This used to be a nice street and these morons are making it unbearable for everyone here. We don't see why we should have to put up with this night after night and it really is time something was done.

"They are making a laughing stock out of the people live here, and out of the police who seem unable to do anything. We are sick to death of having to have our lives made a misery by a gang of yobs. The police should be protecting us. We are all sick of nothing being done by the police to sort this problem out."

A police spokesman said: "We take crimes like this very seriously and we are investigating."

Anyone witnessing vandalism or other crime is asked to ring the Crimestoppers number free on 0800 555111.Information can be given without leaving a name.

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