THREE teenagers were arrested after a wave of high-powered catapult and air rifle attacks caused thousands of pounds of damage to properties in Hoyland.
Councillors Mick and Mary Brankin were among the victims in and around the Cumberland Estate this year.
Dozens of double-glazed windows were smashed in 16 reported incidents of criminal damage since January.
PC Rob Sharman, of Hoyland's safer neighbourhood team, said it was lucky nobody was seriously injured or killed.
He said: "We are fortunate that there haven't been any fatal injuries in these incidents. If one of the metal ball-bearings was to hit somebody in the head then it would cause similar damage to a bullet.
"All of the damage to the windows was comparable to what an actual bullet would cause.
"What kids might do as wanton damage or mischief could result in a manslaughter charge against them."
The incidents took place sporadically over a four-week period with reports of shootings at 8am and also in the middle of the night.
Officers seized two catapults and an air rifle from the youths aged 13 and 16 when they were arrested this week.
