THEY strut around her property as if they own the place.

In a few videotaped moments, the yobs commit at least three offences: public indecency, trespass and burglary.

York police have circulated stills from the video nasty but no one has identified the culprits.

Ruth Wilks' torment goes on.

For five years she has suffered at the hands of lawless youths.

It must be utterly miserable to come home every night and know they are outside, ready to inflict more damage to property and peace of mind.

Mrs Wilks is a victim twice over: persecuted by the yobs, let down by the authorities.

These youngsters steal and wreck with a brazen swagger which comes with knowing they are beyond the law.

But they shouldn't be. Nowadays much is made of intelligent policing, studying crime trends to be one step ahead.

Crime at Mrs Wilks' place is as predictable as Christmas. After five years, her case must be deemed enough of a priority to spare an officer to catch these yobs in the act.

Although the troublemakers are not thought to be members of the 68 Club, it is clear this is their preferred assembly point.

The club's landlord, City of York Council, also has a duty to its neighbours to tackle the problem.

Updated: 09:53 Monday, January 17, 2005