A pioneering project aims to reduce rampant vandalism and improve security at Bradford schools.

The Secure Schools Initiative is a multi-agency scheme run by the police, fire service, Bradford Council, Education Bradford and building firm Bovis.

It aims to 'design out crime' and achieve a better working environment for staff and pupils.

A special crime prevention team will visit each school to discuss crime and security issues before producing a report and a prioritised action plan that each school can use.

Darren Clark, project manager from Bovis Lending Land Lease, will oversee security planning and work at the school. And a criminologist will assess how the measures have worked and see what effect they have on the community.

Del Walter, project evaluator and criminology researcher at Huddersfield University, said: "I will look at the reports and the recommendations and see how they impact on the area. For example, if schools decide to put a fence around them, we will see whether that does stop criminal activity on the site and if it leads to a rise elsewhere.

"We will look closely at the crime statistics and talk to headteachers and, particularly, caretakers and site managers at schools as they are in the front line."

Superintendent Mark Whyman, of Bradford North Police, said it was the first project of its kind in the country.

"We are delighted with the support we have received from the schools and partners and consider this the start to a long-term solution at schools. This is all about fighting crime through design, to create secure, safe schools where teachers and staff can get on with their job of teaching the young people in Bradford."

The schools buy into the project depending on their size. A small primary pays £500, a large primary £1,000 and a secondary school around £2,000. This money then releases three times the amount they had paid into the funds.

Peter Bailey, headteacher at Bradford's Lapage Primary School, said he welcomed the scheme after his school suffered a catalogue of attacks.

"We have had car fires, windows smashed and thefts. We have also had a problem with trespassers," he said.

"We are obviously concerned about the well-being of our pupils and staff so this is a very important initiative that should help safeguard our facilities for everyone in the local area."

And Girlington Primary School headteacher Sue Wood, who also attended the launch at Eccleshill Police Station yesterday, said: "As a head you receive very little training in security. The scheme has given us good quality advice and has made a massive difference.

"We were having a lot of problems this time last year with trespassers, burglaries and arson attacks. When we added the fencing there was an overnight change and we can control entry to the school.

"The atmosphere is much more positive - now we can get on with educating the children."