POLICE are stepping up patrols in Princetown, after a vandalism attack at the village primary school.

Officers have issued a staunch warning to parents, after youngsters were suspected of writing obscenities on playground equipment and school walls.

The crime took place some time over the weekend and police are appealing for witnesses.

PC Dominic Waites said the school was private property and anybody who entered the premises was trespassing.

?The school is now closed for the summer holidays and is out of bounds for the next six weeks,? he said.

?We will be keeping a close eye on the premises during our patrols of the Princetown area.

?We believe the culprits are older children in the area and it is important that parents and children understand that anyone over the age of 12 is criminally responsible and we can take proper action against them.?

PC Waites said staff had spent a day trying to get the graffiti, which has been written in permanent ink, off the walls and playground equipment.

?Primary schools do not have the security of comprehensive schools and we would like to think that people respect the property when it is closed ? we already have one prison in Princetown, we do not want the primary school to look like that.?

Anyone with information should contact the police on 08705 777444 and ask for PC Waites at Tavistock Police Station.