DAREDEVIL vandals are risking their lives by running across the roofs of terraced houses.

And furious residents say that the yobs' antics are making their lives hell.

They have damaged slates and tiles and even stolen drainpipes from the houses.

The residents from the Deane area, who wish to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, say youths enter their gardens and the local factory units.

Now 10 local people have written a letter to the BEN which says: "The youngsters have been running about on the roofs of the factories and even across the roofs of a block of terraced houses and have caused a good deal of damage to the slates and tiles.

"They seem to have little fear of falling off and even less understanding of what the consequences would be if they did."

The spate of vandalism on Deane Church Lane and Willows Lane has included offensive graffiti scrawled across homes and garden fences.

Many residents have attempted to thwart the youngsters with anti vandal paint which leaves an ultra-violet coating on skin and clothes.

However, residents say the youths take "perverse pleasure" in destroying their property.

The residents added: "Even coating the tops of perimeter walls with anti-climb/vandal paint seems to have little effect on these mindless individuals who seem to thrive on causing other people as much distress as they can."

Residents are calling for parents to be more aware of their children's activities and are urging them to exercise control.

The residents added: "This part of Deane has until very recently been a very nice area to live in and most people are decent, caring and law abiding people.

"The lives of the majority are being spoiled by few youngsters and their couldn't-care-less parents.

"We urge all parents to take greater interest in the behaviour of their children, to think of others and to make this a pleasant area once again for the benefit of us all."

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