NO problems have been reported at the city’s schools – which are traditionally a target for vandals and thieves during the long summer – as police focus on a high visibility strategy.
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Chifley Local Area Command crime prevention officer Senior Constable Sue Rose said car crews were regularly patrolling schools – and the results were obvious.
“We haven’t had any problems – our stats are looking really good,” she said.
Vandals caused more than $200,000 worth of damage at Kelso Public School in August last year, including pouring paint over a number of rooms and smashing computers and smartboards.
Sen Const Rose reminded people that school grounds were strictly out of bounds at this time of year and anyone caught on the grounds without express written permission from the principal would receive an infringement notice.
She said police took acts of vandalism against schools very seriously.
“If you go onto school grounds without authorisation, it’s a $550 on-the-spot fine,” she said.
“If you stay on the school grounds, it’s another $550 fine. If you act in an offensive manner there, it’s a $250 fine.”
She said anyone caught on school grounds who isn’t supposed to be there can expect to be fined.
Sen Const Rose said general duties police have been patrolling schools as part of their daily tasking.
She also worked with schools at risk before the break, working through crime prevention strategies.
She said taking simple precautions can keep a school safe while it is vacant.
“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 of windows and doors and secured,” she said.
Sen Const Rose said neighbours or members of the public “are our eyes and our ears” when it comes to protecting schools.
