A POLICE crackdown on vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Crewe has resulted in more than 20 arrests.

The incidents have included 49 windows smashed at Coppenhall High School and extensive graffiti on the Hungerford Road play park.

There has also been similar damage on the Sherbourne estate and to property around the shopping area in Coronation Crescent.

PC Dan Loveridge, of the Community Action Team, carried out the arrests with colleague PC Tony Condon.

He said: "The incidents were not directly related, although some people were involved in more than one.

"This sort of mindless damage has a demoralising effect on any area - it seriously affects people's quality of life and is expensive to repair.

"It's an issue which we are determined to tackle."

PC Condon added: "I had a lot of feedback from people in the Maw Green area to say that this vandalism was degrading the place where they lived.

"They wanted it stopped and we worked together to do that as quickly as possible.

"It is a good example of what can be done when officers and members of the public co-operate."

Several of those arrested have already been dealt with by the courts, while others are on bail pending further investigations.

PC Loveridge added: "The success we have had here is just part of the picture.

"The Community Action Team will continue to take action against vandals and we will keep up night-time patrols in areas which are being targeted by these people.

"If anyone, whether they're juveniles or adults, intends to go out scrawling graffiti over an area, or causing other damage, they need to realise they will be caught and dealt with.

"Help from the public is vital to us in cases like this and we would encourage everyone who has information about any kind of criminal damage to contact us."

lPeople can leave a message on the Community Action Team's phone line on 01270 273473.