VANDALS are cutting the heads off daffodils with scissors before displaying them in elaborate patterns on lawns in Guisborough.

The problem began three weeks ago and is now widespread across the town with incidents occurring every few days.

One resident, who asked not to be named, is so angry about the vandalism he has installed security cameras at his house to try to catch the culprit.

"We have spent £200 on having spotlights and CCTV fitted," he said. "It's very frightening to know you have prowlers wondering around in front of your bedroom window in the middle of the night.

"We aren't sleeping as well as we used to."

The resident, whose garden has been targeted three times, said on the second occasion he counted at least 590 daffodil heads on his lawn, placed in an intricate criss-cross pattern.

Several of the victims of the daffodil vandal are elderly women living on their own who now feel very afraid.

PC Paul Lawrence, Cleveland Police wildlife officer for the Langbaurgh District, said Guisborough police were aware of what was going on and that officers were taking reports from residents seriously.