POLICE are appealing for people living on a Worcester estate to back a campaign to crack down on vandals.

The plea comes after a spate of attacks in Tolladine.

Bricks have been hurled on to the roof of the council housing office in Rose Avenue, windows have been broken in empty properties awaiting refurbishment, a wooden bench in the play area adjoining the community centre was damaged, and fencing has been broken and daubed with graffiti.

"For any number of reasons, petty vandalism's often not reported to the police, although local residents often know who's behind this type of anti-social and intimidating behaviour," said PC Adrian Brooks, beat manager for Tolladine.

"Without this information, the police effort will be limited. Where we have information, we can and do act."

He added that a similar problem in Warndon was successfully tackled using information from the community, which resulted in a number of arrests.

"Police action alone can only provide short-term solutions. Longer term solutions require the efforts of other agencies - and the community itself - working together."

John Bunn, Tolladine housing office manager, was so annoyed when he saw the damage to the office roof he placed a notice outside saying 'Thought for the Day.

Vandalism - who puts it right? The council. Who pays for it? You do".

"It was a new roof, which was only put up about three months ago," he said. "The gable end will have to be stripped off and re-tiled."

He added it would cost about £1,000 to repair.

"This isn't a bad estate. It's just a few people who cause the grief."

Police want anyone with information about vandalism in Tolladine to contact them, anonymously, at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.