SECURITY cameras could be installed after the third yob attack on a market town cemetery.

White paint was daubed on the path and other parts of Malton cemetery in the latest incident.

Previous vandalism has included a smashed chapel window and graffiti in the porch and on walls.

A gang also smashed 24 ancient headstones, leaving a trail of destruction through the graveyard.

Members of the town council, which is responsible for the site, are considering installing CCTV cameras.

The council spends £20,000 each year looking after the cemetery, off Pasture Lane.

Police said officers are investigating the vandalism.

A spokesman said they were increasing patrols in the area.

"This must be distressing for families who visit their loved-ones, especially after 24 headstones had been broken just a couple of weeks ago," he said.

"This is a thoughtless and abhorrent act, and we would urge anybody who has any information about the damage to contact us."

Anybody with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845-6060-247.