KELSO Public School, along with all other schools across the city, will be relying on the community these holidays to help keep their property safe.
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All schools are protected by the Inclosed Lands Act, which means it is an offence for anyone to be caught on school grounds without authorisation, and those caught by police will be handed a $550 fine.
If they do not leave the grounds, it’s another $550 fine.
Kelso Public is the latest school to fall victim to vandals, with the school targeted on the weekend.
Sometime after 6pm on Saturday and 9am on Sunday, thieves forced entry into the school, gaining access to more than 20 classrooms.
A laptop, camera and Gameboy were amongst the items stolen.
Forensic police have taken physical evidence from the scene and continuing their investigations, but the incident has again highlighted the need for the community and schools to work together, be vigilant, and if they see something, to call the police.
Kelso Public School principal Lance Cooper said under the Inclosed Lands Act, it is an offence for anyone to be on school grounds outside school hours.
He said the school was very fortunate to have a great relationship with its neighbours, who keep a lookout.
“They keep a lookout and if they see someone they yell out or give us or the police a call,” he said.
Mr Cooper said it was always distressing for both students and staff when there was an incident.
“It is pretty upsetting. On the weekend they broke in and went through a few items. It wasn’t substantial, but the teachers have to clean it up,” he said.
Crime prevention officer within Chifley Local Area Command Senior Constable Sue Rose said police will be regularly patrolling all schools on a daily basis to prevent any further incidents.
She said anyone caught on school grounds who isn’t supposed to be there can expect to be fined.
As a crime prevention measure, Senior Constable Rose said general duties police have been patrolling schools as part of their daily tasking, which she said definitely helps keep potential problems at bay.
She said schools can follow crime prevention strategies to minimise any risk of problems.
“This can include basic safety advice like checking all windows and ensuring their locks are in working order, ensuring valuable items are secured away and valuable portable items have been stored away from view and secured,” she said.
