MORE action has been demanded amid claims teenage thugs are terrorising residents in Thirsk and Sowerby.

People list verbal abuse, vandalism, bullying, intimidation and other anti-social behaviour among the problems.

A residents' group - SOS (Save Our Safety) - has been set up to combat the menace.

A spokeswoman, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, criticised police and called for swift action.

She said: "This has being going on for about 18 months; people are concerned and find it unacceptable.

"We have spoken to the police and they don't do anything. We find it unacceptable."

The groups says cars are regularly targeted, with wing mirrors snapped off and doors scratched.

Stones and eggs have also been thrown at house windows in random acts of vandalism.

But Chief Insp Ken McIntosh denied his officers were ignoring the problems.

"We are very aware of the problems of anti-social behaviour in the Thirsk area," he said.

"We have taken positive action and made several arrests.

"We are continuing to look to provide a broader solution to the problem and are working with local groups. But we will continue to enforce the law and will put more patrols on to combat the problems."

Anyone with complaints should contact Sgt Luis Ponte on 0845 60 60 24 7.