Calne police will be increasing patrols in a bid to catch youths who are plaguing the town by throwing eggs at cars and homes.

Police say they are baffled by the anti-social behaviour which has left elderly residents feeling “terrorised” by eggs shattering on their windows late at night.

Officers have been examining CCTV footage recorded in local supermarkets of youths shoplifting eggs and have identified culprits from that and other footage.

PCSO Mark Cook said: “I cannot understand the reasoning behind this sort of behaviour. Whilst it’s an inconvenience to residents cleaning off the mess, it can also cause distress and damage.”

He added: “Having recently visited an elderly resident, she advised me how terrorised she had felt hearing loud bangs as several eggs had hit her windows late in the evening. Causing anyone, let alone an elderly person, to feel this way is totally unacceptable.

“Utilising Calne Town Council CCTV coverage, we have identified several youths who have either been involved in the theft of items from a local supermarket or observed throwing eggs and generally causing a nuisance in Phelps Parade and The Pippin.

"We have contacted some of the parents of the children involved and we will be increasing our patrols to identify any other individuals responsible.”