A CAMPAIGN to stop vandals destroying school property is launched by police in Darlington today.

Officers will visit every school and hand out leaflets to more than 15,000 pupils before the summer holidays, asking them to back Darlington Community Safety Partnership's School Watch appeal, which is also known as Operation Bonanza.

Leaflets will also be posted through the doors of people living near schools, urging them to be vigilant.

PC Adrian Rutter, Darlington's schools liaison officer, said: "We know that youths go around the back of schools and there is often drink involved and sometimes smoking and drugs.

"There is often vandalism as well, with certain schools in certain areas having their windows regularly smashed.

"It's fine if youngsters have permission to go on school property and play football or whatever without causing damage. The aim of this campaign is for a safe, happy and damage-free holiday."

Sergeant Paul Robinson, from the partnership, said: "We are aware already of seven schools that are suffering from repeated damage, caused out of school hours.

"Part of this operation will be to try to reduce the amount of damage and get across a message that it is not acceptable."

Police and uniformed warden patrols will be stepped up near schools during the summer holiday.

Jacqui Snowball, Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer, said: "This is a year-round problem, but it does rise during the school holidays.

"One of the biggest problems we have got is knowing when this vandalism takes place, so we are urging everyone to take responsibility for their school and their area and let us know when things are going on."

Councillor Stephen Harker, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for education, added: "It is hoped that this combined effort will stop anti-social behaviour and damage to school buildings, which can be time consuming, expensive and distressing."

Emily Harkin and Carol-Ann Harrison, year seven pupils from Haughton Community School, designed the School Watch leaflet and won a visit to Mawers Talbot Print, in Whessoe Road, to see it being produced.

To report vandalism or anti-social behaviour on school premises contact police on (01325) 467681