This week saw the Western Community Safety team working in partnership with the Arson Reduction Team to launch the Gwynedd and Anglesey School Watch initiative.

School Watch is a scheme which aims to encourage everyone to keep an eagle eye on schools across North Wales, ensuring they are safe and free from crime and antisocial behaviour over the summer break.

Children from Blaenau Ffestiniog had the opportunity to learn about the work of the Police and look at the equipment and vehicles used by officers of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, when the School Watch initiative was launched at Ysgol Y Moelwyn on Wednesday, 29^th June.

The pupils also had the opportunity to meet with fire fighters, members of the Community Safety Team, Arson Reduction Team and local Police Community Support Officers.

Norman Hughes, Crime Reduction Officer within the Community Safety team explained: “The purpose of the launch was to highlight how members of the public can assist to prevent and report any criminal activity.

He added: “Schools have a limited budget and valuable resources which should be used to educate children and not be diverted to combat theft and criminal damage”.

Kevin Jones, Arson Reduction Manager said: "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 their local schools during the holiday periods, and to report anything suspicious to police.”

Geraint Hughes, Community Safety Manager at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: “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 over the summer period. Take a few seconds to look at the school. If you see suspicious behaviour then please report it to North Wales Police.”

Leaflets and posters are being distributed throughout Anglesey and Gwynedd, reminding the public of the scheme which also aims to help stamp out mindless acts which not only affects the school, but the whole community.

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.