POLICE are trying to reunite stolen car badges with their owners after catching the youths responsible for ripping them from dozens of motors in Lancaster.

Officers have pinned the recent spate of vehicle crime on three teenaged boys two from Lancaster and one from More-cambe - after they admitted taking the badges.

Sgt Tony Murphy says: "They made early, full and frank admissions, admitting 34 offences of stealing badges from motor vehicles.

"The impact has been quite a substantial amount of damage caused to vehicles, probably amounting to about £5,000, and while we know of 10 people who have reported these crimes we are trying to find the remaining 24."

Anyone whose car badge has been stolen should contact Sgt Murphy on 01524-596642.

Other victims are also urged to report offences to help police - because the youths were not alone in their quest to rip emblems off expensive motors, says PC Marc Saysell of the police targeting team.

He told the Citizen: " It seems to be a trend with teenagers - a fashion accessory or gimmick, but these three people are facing criminal prosecution. We take it very seriously."

Cars being targeted locally include Jaguars, VWs, Audis, Mercedes and Subarus.