A CRACKDOWN on yobs that vandalise playgrounds has been launched by police ahead of the summer holidays after a spate of attacks.

Play areas in the borough will receive regular daily visits throughout the break in a bid to cut incidents.

People who live near the playgrounds are also being urged to be vigilant and report vandalism.

Officers said it follows a spate of attacks, the latest of which saw vandals chop down a tyre swing with a saw.

Damage caused during this month alone at playgrounds in the area totals more than £12,000.

The supporting posts were cut at the swing on Livesey Urban Park, Livesey Branch Road, at the weekend.

The facility was developed as part of Blackburn with Darwen Council's Play Pathfinder initiative.

Police said other incidents saw £3,000 of damage caused to the flooring of a youth shelter at a playground in Burnley Road.

The shelter was pulled from its concrete base overnight.

The council said £1,000 of damage was also done to another play area off Rothesay Road in Shadsworth.

Police in Blackburn have pledged dedicated anti-social behaviour patrols to help cut down on incidents and hotspots during the six-week summer holidays.

PC Gary Hennighan said there had been a spate of playground vandalism during July.

But that officers were ‘confident’ action would be taken against the Livesey Urban Park offenders on the back of ‘some leads’.

He said: “Parks are very popular areas so we have dedicated patrols visiting as part of their day to day activity.

“It is everybody’s responsibility to report incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism if they see it happening.”

The council is also urging residents to be on guard.

Coun Trevor Maxfield, executive member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “I would advise all residents who live near or use any play facilities in Blackburn and Darwen to be vigilant.

"If you see any vandalism please report it to us or the police.

"We want to stamp this behaviour out so people can enjoy these facilities the way they were intended.”