A WAVE of vandalism has hit a troubled York street that is only yards from the city's police station.

Officers were called to Wenlock Terrace, off Fulford Road, late on Thursday night after five vehicles were damaged in a spree of car-crime.

Three cars were damaged and two were broken into in the street and at industrial units in nearby Hospital Fields Road.

It marks the return of problems that have periodically plagued the area.

Last year, residents organised meetings to call for action over a catalogue of antisocial behaviour and vandalism to cars in the street, with some blaming a children's home in the road.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It got to a stage last year where I was afraid to park outside my house. I'd leave my car a few streets away.

"We're all hoping this doesn't mark a return to the levels of antisocial crime we had last summer.

"It was just unbearable. Sometimes I'd feel intimidated walking in my own street.

"We shouldn't all jump to blame the children's home, but the council needs to keep on top of the youngsters there and the homeless hostel in Ordnance Lane. I hope the police take some action."

After the spate of crime last summer, about 30 residents attended a meeting with police and council chiefs to discuss how to tackle the problems.

Elizabeth Shepherdson, owner of Olga's Guest House, one of two bed and breakfasts on the street, had previously told The Press how guests had walked out after suffering abuse and damage to their cars.

Green councillor Mark Hill said police had stepped up patrols in the area after last summer's meeting and he pledged to take action following the latest spate.

He said: "It is really sad it has reoccurred. We thought we had nailed this down with approaches to both parents and the managers of the children's facilities in the area.

"I will obviously be talking to the community rangers, the local residents and the police to see what can be done. In the past, we've managed to nail down the culprits very quickly."