YOUNGSTERS in the Vale are being urged to take up the fight against vandalism during their school summer holidays.

Twelve and thirteen-year-olds are being briefed on the types of incidents which occur at this time of year and given advice on how to combat anti-social behaviour.

Year seven and eight pupils at all the schools in South Worcestershire are being given key rings and leaflets entitled Criminal Damage: What's It To You? in the project launched by West Mercia police.

The project has the backing of a number of local initiatives including Safe & Sound in Wychavon and is being implemented by schools liaison officers Val Ferreira and Quita Freeman.

The leaflet says the most common criminal and anti-social acts that occur each year around the holiday period are:

l Arson - at school, to cars and homes - graffiti and egg-throwing

l Kicking fences and smashing wing mirrors and windows

l Wilful or careless damage - even if an item is abandoned or 'dropping rubbish'

Chief Inspector Keith Williamson, who is responsible for local policing in South Worcestershire, said: "Young people are in a very good position to help tackle this problem, which often results in considerable cost.

"That money could be spent on further improving facilities for them, their families and the community as a whole.

"We hope they will want to take a pride in where they live - and where they are educated - and help in improving their community and making it a safer and more pleasant place to live.

"Vandalism affects all young people - and their futures - their families and friends, as well as their street, their school and even, on occasion, their pets.

"We urge young people not to follow the minority crowd who delight in vandalism.

"We want them to be their own person and tell someone they trust and respect if they know of any such activity, whether it is first or second-hand information."