POLICE today warned that a teen craze for pelting stones at cars could lead to a 'catastrophe'.

Officers said they had received a spate of recent reports about the latest trend of throwing stones at moving cars including several over the weekend.

Police in the town have now launched a tough new crackdown following reports of youths throwing stones at vehicles in the Trinity and Briercliffe Road area of the town.

As part of the new crackdown, police will be stepping up patrols in hot spot areas - in both marked and unmarked vehicles - and taking firm action against the offenders whom officers say could cause serious damage or injury through their mindless actions.

Trinity Community beat manager PC Adam Gordon condemned the actions of the youths responsible, and said: "Throwing any missiles at a moving vehicle is obviously an extremely reckless and dangerous thing to do. If a driver's attention is diverted from the road for only a split second then the consequences could be catastrophic."

Police have already issued two Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to youths caught throwing missiles which orders them to behave or face criminal action.

Several letters have also been sent to the parents of youths involved in incidents in the Trinity area. Police said those caught causing damage would face criminal proceedings.

PC Gordon added: "We will be patrolling the town in both marked police vehicles and in plain clothes and anyone caught throwing missiles at vehicles will be dealt with severely. Although we are keen to take action, we need the community's help too.

"Parents need to ask themselves 'Where is my child in the evening and what are they up to as they too?' They have a responsibility to ensure that children behave in a sensible and responsible manner."

The most recent incidents in the Trinity area of Burnley are the latest in a long line. Earlier this year police launched a similar crackdown after a number of incidents involving stone throwing at motorists in Brunshaw, Westgate, Barden Lane and Trafalgar Street, Burnley.

And last year police and transport chiefs warned that bus services could be axed after a series of stone attacks on services on Accrington Road.

Drivers refused to travel along the route after youngsters threw missiles at their vehicles, terrifying drivers and passengers. No one was injured.

Services were withdrawn and only reinstated after leaflets were distributed to passengers warn that amenities could be axed altogether if the attacks continue. Police have reported no further problems on the route.

Anyone with any information about the latest stone throwing incidents can contact PC Adam Gordon direct on 01282 472962 or they can call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.