A scheme which encourages everyone to keep an eagle eye on their local school and safe from crime during school holidays has been launched at Holyhead High School this week.

School Watch aims to get parents, residents, and teachers as well as the emergency services and the local authorities working together to keep schools and their immediate surrounding areas safe and free from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Pupils from Holyhead High School had the opportunity to learn about the work of North Wales Police and look at the equipment and vehicles used by crews from Holyhead Fire Station. They met firefighters, members of the North Wales Arson Reduction Team and Police Community Support Officers, with the emphasis on encouraging pupils to participate in helping to keep their school safe.

Inspector Julie Sheard of the North Wales Police Community Safety Department said: "Schools are encouraged to educate and divert children to combat theft and criminal damage. School buildings can also become a target for graffiti and vandalism during the long summer break. We rely on members of the public for their support and encourage all to report incidents to the Police or anonymously via Crimestoppers."

Firefighters returning from call outs will keep an eye on school buildings while on their way back to their respective stations.

Kevin Jones, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's Arson Reduction Manager said: "It's disheartening to think that schools could be targeted by fire setters. Schools are extremely important resources within our communities and we must do all we can to protect them. I urge members of the public to help keep an eye on our schools during the holiday periods, and to report any relevant information to police. Together we must stamp out these mindless acts which not only affect schools, but the wider community."

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's Gwynedd and Môn Partnership Manager, Celfyn Evans, said: "School Watch is a vital part of our community safety work, and I believe the more engagement we have with members of the community, the more successful we will be in reducing crime and antisocial behaviour.

"Ask yourself do you live near or overlook a school? Do you walk or drive past a school on a regular basis? If the answer is yes then you can help! Take a few seconds to look at the school. If you see suspicious behaviour then please report it to North Wales Police."

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour in or around schools or at school buildings is urged to contact North Wales Police. If you witness a crime in progress always dial 999. Non-emergency calls should be made to 101 or via Crimestoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111.