SCHOOL pupils took on the roles of vandals and their victims as part of a police drive to reduce criminal damage.

Local officers PC Brendan Wood and PCSO Sean Goddard visited St Joseph's Primary School, in Barnoldswick, last Thursday, to raise awareness of the impact vandalism has on both victims and perpetrators.

Children were selected for role-play scenarios where a crime is reported, the police visit, an investigation begins and a suspect is arrested.

From there, the suspect is taken to a police station, fingerprinted, photographed and charged.

PC Wood and PCSO Goddard also explained other aspects of the crime, including the cost to the community and the inconvenience and fear it caused. The day was part of a programme of visits to schools in West Craven by local officers as part of the police's "Don't Do Damage!" campaign.