PEOPLE are being urged to keep a neighbourly eye on schools in the Durham and Chester-le-Street area following a spate of vandal attacks.

Since the summer holidays began police have dealt with six incidents, mostly smashed windows.

They are considering introducing security cameras at schools considered vandalism hotspots in a bid to catch the young wreckers and deter would-be vandals.

Acting Detective Inspector Max Newby, of Durham City Police, said: "We have had problems right across the division. Obviously schools are vulnerable during the long summer holidays. The incidents vary from one or two windows being put in to ten or 12.

"We are going to put cameras in selected schools. We'll pick the ones we feel are most vulnerable.''

He renewed appeals for people living near schools to keep an eye out for vandals.

"If you see local youths acting suspiciously, call the police. It costs a lot of money to replace windows.

"We'd rather schools spent money on education instead of putting new windows in.''

Anyone with information should call Durham City police station on 0191-386 4222, or Chester-le-Street police station on 0191-388 4311.