AN ELDERLY passenger in a car pelted by eggs by a group of youths in Dorchester warned their actions could cause an accident - as police said officers would be patrolling the area and checking CCTV to find those responsible.

Janet Peavoy, 80, was on her way back from an evening at the Bingo when she says the car she was in came across a group of around a dozen youths in the centre of town on Monday.

The group then began pelting eggs at the vehicle, as well as others.

Dorset Echo: Trinity Street

Police confirmed they had received a number of reports on Monday of youths causing a nuisance in the across Dorchester and Poundbury, including 'egging' properties and cars, and kicking front doors.

It comes after separate reports of anti-social youths breaking roofs at Dorchester Market.

Ms Peavoy said: “I was shocked when I first saw it because something like that could easily cause an accident.

“I was just coming back from Bingo when we came into Trinity Street and we saw this group of youngsters throwing eggs at cars.

“My friend who took me to Bingo, his car got hit twice - it’s just not nice.”

Mrs Peavoy says she can not understand why the youngsters would do something like that and fears if they are not stopped something worse may happen.

Following reports of anti-social behaviour at Dorchester Market, the elderly resident urged people to make sure they report incidents to ensure the issues are addressed.

Ms Peavoy added: “We need more patrols from police to try to stop things like this.”

Dorset Police confirmed they received a report at around 9pm on Monday, January 17 of a group of young people throwing eggs at cars in Trinity Street and causing anti-social behaviour issues.

Dorset Echo: Damaged roofs at Dorchester market, picture: Anonymous resident

A spokeswoman for the force said: “Officers attended and carried out a search of the area, but the group was not located.

“The local neighbourhood policing team has been made aware and will be checking local CCTV to identify those responsible. Patrols will also be carried out in the area.

“Anti-social behaviour remains a top priority and we will be working with our partner agencies to combat the recent issues.”

Tackling anti-social behaviour forms part of Operation Relentless, the Dorset Police’s drive to reduce such crimes.

The spokeswoman continued: “The operation aims to remind residents and visitors that Dorset Police takes a tough approach to anti-social behaviour and sends a very clear message to those involved that it simply will not be tolerated in the county.”

The police urge people to report incidents of anti-social behaviour to them to build an ‘intelligence picture’ across the area to find out where anti-social behaviour is occurring so they can direct patrols to those places.