POLICE in Sedgefield borough are increasing patrols at schools to tackle vandalism and anti-social behaviour during the summer holidays.

Operation Honolulu starts tomorrow, the day the schools break up.

Sgt Ed Turner said the support of the public would be crucial.

He said: "We can't do it by ourselves. We need people who live round the schools to be our eyes and ears and if they see people acting suspiciously on school premises, we'd like them to contact us."

A similar operation last year was hailed a success.

Sgt Turner said: "Any person found on school premises will be stopped and spoken to and, depending on what's said, positive action will be taken. I've written to all of the schools to make them aware of the operation."

Sgt Turner said the last day of the term is one of the worst for anti-social behaviour.

"We've got more resources on that day and we'll target known hot-spot areas.

Pat Henderson, head of Woodham Burn Infants, Newton Aycliffe, said problems had decreased since the introduction of after-school and holiday clubs.

She added: "We send a letter to our neighbours and ask them if they wouldn't mind keeping a special eye out. One has my home number."

Residents who see anything suspicious are asked to call police on (01325) 314401.