RESIDENTS are being asked to report young people acting suspiciously on school property over the summer holidays.

Darlington's Community Safety Partnership, led by the borough council and the police, is asking anyone to report youths who are acting suspiciously or misbehaving on school grounds. It is hoped residents' actions will help to reduce the number of attacks on school property over the summer, as well as helping to reduce feelings of fear and intimidation from anti-social behaviour.

Sgt Paul Robinson, of the community safety team, said: "Every summer, we get reports of young people on school premises causing a nuisance.

"They might not be committing a criminal act, but their behaviour can still cause problems for local residents.

"I would appeal to anyone who sees youths on school grounds to give the police a call.

"Obviously, not all young people on school grounds are doing something wrong, but if members of the public are unsure they should give us a call and we can decide what to do."

In the past, schools in the borough have been targeted by graffiti artists, vandals, burglars and arsonists during holidays.

Following attacks on schools, insurance premiums rise and more money has to be spent on replacing stolen goods and repairing vandalised property, which leaves less for books and other resources.

The latest year-on-year figures reveal insurance claims from Darlington schools in relation to theft and vandalism have increased by more than 50 per cent.

Sgt Robinson said: "People living near schools can really help us by just keeping an eye on what goes on in the same way as they look out for a neighbour's house."

Anyone who needs to report an incident is asked to call police on 0845 606 0365.