Pupils in Witham are being asked to keep their ears open in the playground and tell police if they hear boasting about an act of weekend vandalism.
The front window of the Spread Eagle pub in Newland Street was smashed on Saturday night.
Police believe it may have been the work of youths taking advantage of the weekend firework festivities to stay out late.
The landlord of the pub heard a smash at about 9.10pm and a police spokesman said witness statements suggested the vandals were female schoolchildren who may have been drinking.
The spokesman said the landlord and police were keen to find out who had been responsible for the damage.
He said: "Things may have been divulged in the playground and persons with information can speak to police on an anonymous basis."
Schoolchildren with information can speak anonymously to PC Emma Makey, of Witham community policing team, on 01376 501212
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