The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the public's help in protecting schools this week.

"We always worry about our schools because they're left vulnerable to thieves and vandals."

Sacramento Police Lieutenant Katherine Lester heads security for the Sacramento City Unified School District. She says the department will be stepping up patrols. But with 95 schools in the district, police will need a little help from neighbors.

Lester says copper theft is still a major threat, even though recent legislation makes it tougher to re-sell copper in California.

"We still see that there are ways around it and that there are certain recycle companies that may not be completely above board."

Lester says if you live near a school and see anything suspicious, call the police.