Bowls club members turned detective to catch vandals — but were told off by police for filming kids without permission

BOWLS club members turned detective to catch vandals — but were told off by police for filming them without permission.

The volunteers set up CCTV after £3,000 of damage was caused in a series of break-ins over the past eight months.

Shelters had been destroyed, a shed broken into and a memorial bench smashed to pieces.

The cameras captured clear images of the yobs — before they pulled on balaclavas and tried to mess with the CCTV.

The youths then turned up at Harehills Park Bowling Club in Leeds the next day and asked if they could play.

But quick-thinking members recognised them and locked them in the green until police arrived.

However, they were less than impressed with comments from the officers who attended.

A club spokesman said: “The police actually complained to me for taking a video because they are kids.

"We literally did their job for them, instructed them how to apprehend them . . .  the law is not on our side when it comes to youths.”

West Yorkshire Police said two 13-year-olds admitted being involved and were dealt with by way of community resolutions.

Laura Hassoun, chairman of the club said: “The police took them home and made them write an apology.

"So we just hope that they do have decent parents who are going to be responsible and hopefully come forward and come and meet us.

“We hope they come and have a game with us and respect the game going forward.”