Police have condemned "mindless drunken yobs" who went on a wrecking spree causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to cars.

Rewards of up to £200 are being offered today to help catch youngsters who attacked vehicles across Brighton and Hove at the weekend.

Senior police officers warned have warned they intend to "throw the book" at the offenders and say it was now only a matter of time before they are caught.

Inspector Steve Curry said: "People's lives are being made a misery by these mindless drunken yobs who are drinking amounts which are highly dangerous and then essentially going on rampages through parts of the city.

"These young people can go down a single road and damage 13 cars in a minute. That will not be tolerated and I would warn these people it is only a matter of time now before we catch them either through reports from people affected or forensic evidence.

"Once we've got them, the book will be thrown at them to send out the message that this is not something we want happening."

The most recent spate was carried out in Balsdean Road and Bexhill Road in Woodingdean over the weekend.

Wing mirrors and windscreen wipers were torn off vehicles, and aerials were bent.

Areas in Preston Park and Hollingdean have been targeted in recent weeks.

It follows incidents last year in which a gang of yobs ran over the top of a row of cars in Brighton causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Insp Curry told The Argus: "It is a problem not just affecting Brighton and Hove.

"Gangs of young people are doing this all over Sussex and usually it is linked to excessive amounts of alcohol."

Rewards will be paid for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the offenders in Brighton and Hove.

Insp Curry added: "Each call will be dealt with on its own merits and rewards will be offered for any information which leads to the arrest and conviction of an individual in relation to these crimes.

"We are absolutely committed to tackling criminal damage and nuisance behaviour in our neighbourhoods.

"On Friday local children along with residents and police delivered information packs to a number of homes in Woodingdean which contained details promoting reporting of anti-social behaviour.

"Local residents may have come across incidents that have them thinking: "I wonder what they are up to?"

"By taking just a couple of minutes to make that report it could mean that the community is safer and free of crime so if you don't want to contact the police."