POLICE today vowed to fight against school vandalism after an operation was launched aimed at pulling the plug on the costly crime this summer.

Officers will step up patrols at five primary schools in the Chorley area in a bid to show local children that school vandalism will not be tolerated.

Lancaster Lane, Hunters Road, Clayton Green; Manor Road, Clayton-le-Woods; St John's, Preston Road, Coppull; Rivington and Blackrod, Rivington and Anderton St Joseph's, Rothwell Road, will all be monitored.

Operation Chalk has been set up during the summer when vandalism is traditionally at its highest point.

Pupils in the area have been sent letters and parents have been reminded of their responsibilities during the holidays. Police cars, helicopter and officers on foot will patrol the trouble hot spots.

Sergeant Kevin Evans said: "We have a car with a CCTV camera on the dashboard which will record any nuisance or crime that is taking place. We can then use this as evidence to show parents or to use in criminal proceedings."

Last year there were nearly 20 separate incidents at the five schools, but this year police say they aim to drastically cut this number.

Sgt Evans added: "We are working with the information that we gathered last year to help reduce the number of schools vandalised over the holidays.

"School vandalism costs the council a lot of money and we are hoping kids will think twice before hanging around near schools and causing damage."