A SCHEME which aims to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour in schools is to be extended to the whole of Sedgefield borough.

The School Watch scheme, funded by the Sedgefield Partnership Assisting in the Reduction of Crime (Sparc), encourages staff, pupils and neighbours to become more actively involved in caring for schools.

Anyone seeing damage being done to school property or anyone acting suspiciously, is encouraged to report it to the police. Crime prevention officer PC Neil Langthorne outlined the scheme at a meeting of headteachers in Newton Aycliffe, which was called to discuss vandalism at schools in the town.

He said: "The beat officers in Sedgefield, with the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator and support from the borough council Community Force, are going to roll this out to all the schools in time for the summer holidays

"For schemes like this to be successful, it is important that schools nurture their relationships with residents."

PC Langthorne said research showed there had not been an increase in crime at Newton Aycliffe schools.

He said other measures needed to be taken, including improved security and perimeter fencing to discourage trespassers.

"I've been a police officer for 27 years, and it has always been a problem. Schools are seen as an easy target, but school crime is often as a result of trespass," he said.

"What might start off as a ball game can sometime develop into the situation like we had at Sedgefield 18 months ago, when a school was burned down."

Councillor Vince Crosby, who organised the meeting, said he was encouraged by the response and said there would be more discussions.

He said: "We have got to do something because if we don't, schools are going to become battlegrounds, and we don't want them to look like prisons."