These were just some of the security incidents at Bathurst’s public schools late last year.

Of 36 incidents involving assault, threats, weapons, drugs and other cases across Western NSW schools in term four 2013, seven were in Bathurst, according to the latest Department of Education and Communities (DEC) report.

Of Bathurst’s seven cases, there were two assaults, one threat, one student with a knife and three incidents recorded in the “other” category.

Among the “other” incidents recorded was a sexting case where two students took photos of themselves and sent them to at least one other student.

In another case, seven students were caught drinking on school grounds on November 5. On November 26, another student was caught trying to sell stolen items to other students.

Dubbo fared worse in the report, recording eight security incidents, while Orange recorded two.

The number of incidents across Western NSW’s more than 200 schools have increased 63.6 per cent compared with the same term five years ago – from 22 cases to 36. Assault makes up most of the reported cases (11).

In NSW, incidents have jumped 95.8 per cent, from 213 to 417 in the same period, with “other” cases making up 128 of the total.

A DEC spokesperson said public schools set high expectations for the behaviour of students and the standard of discipline, and do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour.

“They have strict disciplinary codes, developed in consultation with the local school community,” the spokesperson said.

“Schools are among the safest places in our community for young people.”

The spokesperson said principals are authorised to take decisive action for the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.

“Suspension can be used as strategy ... more than 72 per cent of students [statewide] given a long suspension never receive a second,” the spokesperson said.

“School counsellors also contribute significantly to addressing inappropriate student behaviour.”