YOUNGSTERS in Morecambe and Heysham are dicing with death by vandalising street lamps, police have warned.

Over the past few weeks children have been taking the front covers off lampposts and tampering with the electrical cables inside causing the lamp to go out.

As well as putting street lamps out of action police fear it is just a matter of time before someone is electrocuted.

"The fact that lamp standards are being damaged is a criminal offence for which the police could arrest any one," said crime prevention officer Phil Corris.

"The offenders also expose themselves to serious danger by attempting this wilful act. With the lamps being inoperative during the hours of darkness it creates an environment in which criminals can work unobserved. But more importantly, with the cabling damaged it exposes any child playing within the vicinity of the damaged lamp standard to the serious danger of electrocution."

He added: "Even with the steel banding placed around the lamp control panel it is not acting as a deterrent. This would appear to be a new craze which will without doubt lead to someone suffering serious harm or even death."

PC Morris called on parents to keep an eye on what their children were up to and for people living in Morecambe and Heysham to immediately report anyone who is tampering with lampposts to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Also, if a street lamp is not illuminating in your area call the city council's engineers on 582941.

"Help us stamp out this latest dangerous trend before someone receives a serious injury."