A BROMSGROVE school is beefing up its security after a spate of attempted break-ins.

Trespassers have repeatedly tried to break into the grounds and the buildings of South Bromsgrove High School, in Charford Road, and now headteacher Phil McTague has had enough.

He is extending the CCTV system and has employed security guards to patrol out of school hours.

"We are a very poorly funded school and we must ensure we protect the resources for all the children, rather than letting a minority of people spoil it," said Mr McTague.

"We hope the security guards will act as a deterrent to anyone wishing to break into the school."

PC Michelle Caldicott, beat manager for Bromsgrove South, said: "We've had a number of reports of damage to South Bromsgrove High School over the last few months, mostly in the evenings and at weekends. This level of criminal damage cannot be tolerated and we are working with the school and our crime risk manager to look at ways to improve the school's security.

"As a minimum, this will include upgrading CCTV equipment and increased patrols in the area. Damage of this nature means that the school's resources are wasted on costly and time-consuming repair work. We would urge anyone who knows who is responsible for this damage or sees anyone on the school premises outside school hours to get in touch."

Anyone with information should call Bromsgrove police on 08457 444 888.