A joint “Schoolwatch” initiative has been launched by Strathclyde Police in conjunction with South Ayrshire Council in a bid to combat misbehaviour in and around school playgrounds during the school holidays.

During the school holidays it is recognized that incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour increase in and around school premises and because of this a joint approach between Strathclyde Police and South Ayrshire Council has been put in place in an effort to combat these issues.

Throughout the holidays police officers will increase the number of checks on school premises and in the North of Ayr South Ayrshire Council Community Support Officers will also be doing likewise.

Councillor Douglas Campbell>, Chair of South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership, said: “We are happy to have the Community Support Officers assist with this initiative aimed at reducing vandalism and potential damage to our schools.”

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Convener of South Ayrshire Council Community Safety Committee, added: “The additional patrols by Community Support Officers and police officers should deter those inclined towards anti-social behaviour and reduce the damage and therefore the cost of repairs to South Ayrshire schools over the summer holiday period.”

Supt John Thomson, Strathclyde Police Sub Divisional Officer, South Ayrshire, said: "Vandalism is a serious crime and the ‘Schoolwatch’ initiative aims to deter acts of vandalism and other forms of anti social behaviour at our schools during the Summer holidays.

“I am delighted that our partners in South Ayrshire Council are also assisting us fully in increasing patrols within school grounds. Vandalism affects us all whether it is as victims or residents in a local community. Everyone pays the price of vandalism and I urge everyone who has information on those responsible for any act of vandalism to inform the Police. This can be done by contacting your local police office or alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111 where calls are free, anonymous and they will not show up on itemised billing."

The Schoolwatch initiative will run until the end of the school summer holidays.

July 2006