THOUSANDS of pupils in Pendle are being warned by police as part of a crackdown on graffiti, vandalism and criminal damage.

Over the next few weeks, every school in the area will be visited by a police youth involvement officer or community beat manager.

They will give a presentation on the type of damage being caused in communities across Nelson, Colne, Barnoldswick and Earby and the penalties offenders could face.

The school tour is part of the "Don't Do Damage" campaign launched by police in May amid concerns over criminal damage, which now accounts for a quarter of all crime committed in the area.

Sergeant Andy Cartwright said: "Damage to windows, cars, fences, walls and other property is thankfully not a huge problem but it is of great concern for us because it makes people feel unsafe, despite the very low levels of burglary and car crime in this area.

"We're doing a lot of work to address the issue including stepping up patrols in affected areas, running a poster campaign and taking positive action against offenders.

"However, education is also a key part of the campaign, explaining to youngsters what constitutes criminal damage and what might happen to them if they are caught damaging homes or cars.

"Over the next few weeks we intend to speak to pupils at every single school in Pendle in a bid to discourage pupils from causing damage in their local community and to make them aware of the consequences if they do."

"Some youths might think that throwing stones at windows or kicking down fences is acceptable something to pass the time but it's not. It can have serious consequences for both the victim and the offender as well as far reaching effects on public safety and reassurance.

"Our message to youths is: Don't do damage! If you do, you could end up in serious trouble."