POLICE sent warning letters to two 13-year-old girls after they were spotted prank door-knocking and throwing snowballs.

The girls, both from Rose Hill, Oxford, were sent the letters last month after two residents reported problems a few weeks before.

The behaviour, dubbed antisocial by police, prompted police and Oxford City Council to send the letters to their parents warning further action could be taken if their behaviour continued.

Last night, residents defended the police’s actions, and said it showed officers were taking their concerns seriously.

Rose Hill Pcso Paul Timms said “five or six snowballs” had been thrown at one home around Christmas and the girls knocked on the window of an elderly woman twice on separate days and then ran away.

He said they had been previously warned about their behaviour and they could be asked to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC), if the problems continued.

The contract requires youngsters to promise to stop behaving badly.

Pcso Timms said: “Although it’s very minor, the letter was just to say we were aware of what they were doing and we will take it further if we need to. It was minor antisocial behaviour and a lot of it was down to the snow.

“I spoke to the parents and the letters were issued. We have gone back since the letters were issued and it has stopped.

“It wasn’t over the top. It’s stopping the problem before it gets out of control.”

Pcso Timms said the warning letters were the only ones issued by the police on the estate for about a year.

An ABC was signed by a woman two months ago for noise and being verbally abusive, but officers would not reveal where she lived.

Peter Wilkinson, chairman of the Rose Hill Residents’ and Tenants’ Association, said: “I think the police were acting appropriately. I think it was antisocial behaviour. Thirteen is old enough to know better.”

Pensioner Vim Rodrigo, from Rivermead, Rose Hill, said: “It sounds a bit harsh sending warning letters, but on the other hand it’s best to be harsh at the beginning, to stop crime occurring later. I’m sure the victim will feel that justice has been done and the police are taking action.”

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said snowballs packed with ice and stones were “no longer child’s play”.

She said: “We don’t consider it to be fun when individuals ‘cherry knock’ households where the vulnerable or those with mobility issues live.

“The letters give parents the opportunity to challenge behaviour and talk to children about behaviour in the community.”