With schools in Ballymena closing for the summer holidays police are reminding people in the Borough about the School Watch scheme, which urges members of the public to be vigilant when it comes to reporting trespassers on school premises.

The scheme is part of 'Operation Safe Summer' which has been organised by the police in H District, which includes Ballymena, Colerain, Ballymoney Moyle and Larne.

The PSNI's Crime Prevention Officer (CPO) for the Ballymena and Larne areas, Constable Dean McAuley, said by reporting anything suspicious, vandalism and criminal damage can be prevented at all schools, he said: "We have proved in the past that vigilance by local communities coupled with police attention can reduce the number of attacks and repair."

Schools are closed during the summer period and Constable McAuley believes this is when they are vulnerable to criminal damage. He added: "Schools are at the very heart of our communities and are essential to the well being of society, but sadly they can sometimes become the target for vandalism during the summer break."

He also outlined the significant part the public can play in preventing damage.

"Schools need protection and I would like to remind pupils, parents and local residents that they have an important role to play. I want anyone who sees anything suspicious or anyone causing damage, to any school to phone us straight away," he explained.

If criminal damage occurs the school has to use some of it's budget to pay for repairs. Money, the CPO argued, could be used for other vital school services. He said: "We all want our children to enjoy the very best facilities, I am sure everyone would rather have money spent on providing those facilities than on repairing broken windows and other damage.

"School Watch is a scheme that we can all get involved in, and I cannot over stress the value of preventing this type of vandalism. So, if you live near a school, or live in a house that overlooks a school or if you walk or drive past a school, then yes you can help."

The message from the PSNI is clear, 'Don't let vandals wreck schools.' Constable McAuley concluded: "I want you to take look at the school and ask yourself, who is there, why are they there, and what are they doing?

"If you see anything unusual or see anyone acting suspiciously, don't delay inform the school, or contact your local police straight away."

Police have urged local people who see anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously on school premises or during school holidays to call the police on 0845 600 8000 or if the case is an emergency always dial '999'.