POLICE are launching a crackdown on vandalism and anti-social behaviour in school grounds across Sedgefield borough during the summer holidays.

Operation Honolulu will start on Friday, when schools in the area close for the summer holidays.

Sergeant Ed Turner, of Sedgefield police, said the support of the public would be crucial to the operation's success.

He said: "This is an initiative to give the schools a bit more attention over the summer holidays, but we can't do it by ourselves.

"We need people who live around the schools to be our eyes and ears, and if they see people acting suspiciously on school premises, we would like them to contact us."

The initiative follows on from the success of a similar operation last year and will target all educational establishments in the borough.

Sgt Turner said: "During patrols the schools will be checked, and when officers have got some down-time they will be patrolling the schools.

"Any person found on school premises will be stopped and spoken to and, depending on what is said, positive action will be taken.

"I have written to all the schools to make them aware of the operation."

Sgt Turner said particular attention would be paid to the first day of the operation, when the schools break up.

He said: "The last day of school is traditionally one of our worst days in terms of anti-social behaviour.

"We have got more resources on that day and we will target known hot-spot areas. We are just doing what we are able to without having a police officer there all the time to protect the school."

Schools throughout the borough have supported the initiative and some have introduced their own measures.

Pat Henderson, headteacher atWoodham Burn Infant School, in Newton Aycliffe, said problems had decreased since the introduction of after-school and holiday clubs.

She said: "We send a letter to our neighbours and ask them if they wouldn't mind keeping a special eye out.

"One of them has my home number, so we can help them if there has been a nuisance."

Residents who see anyone acting suspiciously on school grounds are asked to telephone Sedgefield police on (01325) 314401.