HOOLIGANS who make Richmond residents' lives a misery are to be targeted by police.

Regular officers and special constables will be seeking out troublemakers in areas around the town where young people are known to gather.

Within the past two weeks, the Ronaldshay Park toilets and a baby-changing room have been wrecked twice, vandal-proof tables set on fire, young trees snapped, and spray paint and graffiti daubed on walls.

Graffiti has also appeared on the walls at Bank Yard, behind the market place.

Sergeant Mick Griffiths said the culprits can expect prosecution.

He said: "Names and addresses are taken, parents notified and, where offences have been committed, children will be dealt with."