A CRACKDOWN on criminal damage across South Oxfordshire has been launched by Thames Valley Police.

The three-month crackdown, Operation Mend, aims to reduce vandalism and target those responsible.

Supt Andy Murray said: "Operation Mend is designed to reduce this sort of damage in our communities and catch and prosecute those responsible.

"Officers will be sent to specific areas where damage and antisocial behaviour are reported.

"Intelligence will be gathered to target persistent offenders and we are encouraging people to report damage and those known to be responsible. "

Officers will also be talking to pupils and parents at primary and secondary schools in the district to warn them of the consequences of committing criminal damage.

The police, South Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council are also cracking down on alcohol-related crime, particularly underage drinking and adult binge drinking.