A youth culture craze thought to have died out seems to have returned in Ryedale after a spate of attacks on cars - for their badges.

Stealing car badges became popular in both the US and UK in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Mainly targeted were Volkswagen cars, after a member of American rap group The Beastie Boys was often seen wearing an outsize VW badge on a chain round his neck.

The craze eventually died out.

But the last week has seen six attacks on cars in north Ryedale, with the cars being stripped of their valuable badges each time.

Two of the thefts took place between December 7 and 9, on Swainsea Lane in Pickering, and saw Honda and Hyundai vehicles lose badges worth £100 each.

And only days earlier, a further four cars were attacked in Kirkbymoorside.

Local Police Sergeant Dave Cooper said: "I remember when this was first a problem, when that pop group were about, but as the thieves aren't just targeting Volkswagens this time it doesn't seem to be that this time around.

"We are investigating the incidents, and any information would be gratefully received - especially from anyone who could suggest to us why they have started to commit this sort of crime again."