Operation launched to monitor schools in Mickleover, Littleover, Sunnyhill and Stockbrook during Christmas break

An operation has been launched to monitor schools in four areas of Derby during the Christmas break.

During holidays schools can become a target for anti-social behaviour – with incidents having the potential to cause large amounts of costly damage.

Officers are undertaking proactive patrols throughout the holiday period to help prevent incidents occurring across Mickleover, Littleover, Sunnyhill and Stockbrook.

Sergeant Ben Wildman, who leads policing teams in the four areas, said: “For the vast majority of children the school holidays are a welcome break from the classroom.

“However, for some young people it seems they just cannot stay away.

“Damage caused can cost many thousands of pounds and have serious impacts on the education of children.

“There is also the very real risk of those breaking into these premises suffering serious injury thanks to unseen dangers. These hazards, combined with the areas being unstaffed and in somewhat isolated locations, add up to a potentially very dangerous situation.

“Officers will be working with the security staff and anyone found in areas where they should not be will be dealt with robustly.

“I would also urge parents to speak to young people in their care and explain the dangers they run accessing school grounds and the potential problems they may face should they get a criminal record for damage caused to buildings.”