SPA pupils in years seven and eight are being urged to fight vandalism, particularly throughout the school holidays.

The students are being given key rings and leaflets entitled Criminal Damage: What's It To You? highlighting the incidents that occur at this time of year and advising them how they can help to counter the problem.

The project is supported by groups including Safe & Sound In Wychavon and implemented by South Worcestershire police schools liaison officers - PCs Val Ferreira and Quita Freeman.

The leaflet says the most common criminal and anti-social acts that occur year-on-year, are:

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

l Kicking fences and smashing wing mirrors and property windows

l Wilful - or careless - damage, even if the item is abandoned or 'rubbish'.

Problem

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, 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 occasions, their pets."

Chief Insp Williamson added: "As the leaflet's pay-off line says 'Damage attracts more damage: don't ignore it - report it.' If young people can do that during the summer holidays, it will go a long way to helping to stamp out the problem before it escalates further."

Anyone who sees acts of criminal damage or anti-social behaviour should call the police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.