POLICE are appealing for members of the public to come forward in an effort to halt the rising tide of vandalism sweeping Redditch schools.

Redditch and Bromsgrove police have teamed up to investigate a number of incidents where damage has been caused to school premises, which have involved countless windows being smashed, graffiti sprayed on walls and other property damaged or destroyed.

Over three weeks alone, Dingleside Middle School had £600 damage caused, Lodge Farm Middle School suffered £1,000 damage, Marlfield Farm First School had £500 damage, Icknield First School was left with a £700 repair bill and Church Hill Middle School suffered at the hands of vandals to the tune of £850.

St Augustine's High School has also had repeated problems with vandals over the last few months.

The police said the problem had been happening for a long time and it was an annoying and time-wasting exercise for the people who had to clear up after the attacks.

Sgt Andy Chinn, of Redditch Police, said: "This is a problem that's not unique to Redditch and Bromsgrove and costs the taxpayer in picking up the bill for such thoughtless acts of vandalism.

"We are rightly proud of the schools in this area and I would urge anybody who has witnessed this damage being caused or who has information that could assist us in our inquiries to call Redditch or Bromsgrove Police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."