TWO more schools in Darwen have been hit by thieves and vandals, despite the introduction of special police patrols.

Vandals one week ago smashed 14 windows at Darwen Vale High School, causing £2,000 damage, prompting head teacher Lynne Dunning to announce security patrols would be increased.

But between 9.30pm on Friday and 7.30am on Monday, St James Primary School, in St James Crescent, was broken into.

And on Sunday, intruders climbed on to the flat roof of Moorland High School, at Holden Fold, and smashed a window to steal a BT payphone. The raiders struck at 12.45pm.

On the St James raid, PC Michelle Hubbard, of Darwen police, said: "We believe more than one offender had gone to the school and climbed on to the roof.

"They smashed their way into a skylight but they did not manage to get away with anything as both doors in the school were locked."

She added: "Intense enquiries are under way and there are CCTV cameras in the area so we will be looking at footage."

On the Moorland High burglary, Insp Graham Ashcroft, of Darwen police, said: "The offenders ran off before the police arrived although they were at the scene within five minutes.

"A group of youths were seen leaving the scene and we are following this up."

It is believed the latest raids have no connection with the vandalism at Darwen Vale.

Insp Ashcroft said: "During the last week we actually targeted schools with patrols so we are disappointed that two schools got attacked over the weekend.

"Unfortunately schools are always a target and we also look to the LEA to take responsibility to make schools as safe as possible."

Anyone with any information should call Darwen police on 70177 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.