A church has written to its neighbours to ask them to be on the lookout for vandals who are targeting the building

The Church of the Martyrs, in Leicester's West End, has sent a note to homes in Westcotes Drive and surrounding streets to ask householders to call police if they see attacks in progress.

A number of the church hall's windows have been broken recently and a gas pipe has been ripped off a wall.

The church hall's management committee said the pipe incident could have resulted in a "major explosion".

Thieves have also stripped a lead from the building's roof.

The hall now has security cameras and parts of the building have been coated with "anti-climb" paint, which cannot be removed from clothing. The note said: "We have had numerous broken windows – from stones and golf balls – and litter and people regularly climbing on to the flat roof.

"They have done a lot of damage. At present we are dealing with the effects of lead theft and other damage to the roof."

Children are allowed to play on the church hall car park and they are not being linked to the incidents. However, the church is also urging parents to ensure their children play quietly and leave by 8pm. Some neighbours have complained the children are disturbing their peace.

The Rev Richard Worsfold said: "Young people like to play on our car park because there aren't that many open spaces nearby. We're happy for that to continue but there is some noise and that has caused some problems for families trying to get young ones off to sleep.

"The vandalism is a different issue. This is a good community and we hope people will look out for us."

A resident of Shaftesbury Street said: "Later in the evening you do tend to get older kids hanging around and I bet they're the ones who are causing the damage to the church and other buildings."

Sergeant Rod Smart, of Hinckley Road police station, said: "The neighbourhood team is aware of a minor nuisance problem and is working with the church and community to resolve the matter.

"The area is subject to regular patrols by the anti-social behaviour car."

Sarah Russell, city councillor for Westcotes, said: "The church does an incredible amount of good work. It's a great shame some people are causing problems."