A new police report has shown that a Buckie school is one of the sites worst affected by vandalism in the town.
Officers have been gathering information for the last three weeks and are now getting ready to take action against the perpetrators.
One local man has already been reported, but “numerous others” are expected to follow in the coming days.
Sergeant Krystle Ross said: “Millbank Primary is our biggest concern. Generally, [the problem] is broken windows.
“It’s being targeted and it’s upsetting not only for staff who are arriving in the morning to find damage, but also for pupils and parents who have to deal with the ongoing effects.
“If windows are being boarded up, children could have to move classroom, which has an impact on their education.”
The cost of repairing the damage is causing further strain on Moray Council’s budgets at a time when they are looking to cut costs.
Independent Buckie councillor Gordon Cowie said he was pleased the police had taken the problem seriously.
He added: “The cost of the damage for the school windows is just colossal. Every time it happens it is taking money out of the school’s budget. It has to be paid for by somebody.
“I am glad the police have already reported one person and it could be leading to more.”
Vehicles parked in Milton Drive have also been some of the most badly hit. Cars have been scratched and damaged, leaving their owners out of pocket.
Sgt Ross said: “I would be inclined to think it is to do with people leaving pubs at the weekend in the early hours of the morning.”
During the operation, there were six incidents of vandalism reported in Buckie, down one from the same time last year.
The “enforcement phase” is now being run. Police are currently acting on information to catch the vandals.
If children are involved, officers will speak to the education department, schools and those causing vandalism.
The crackdown, which is called Operation Regard, is an ongoing police drive.
