School's In For Vandals

Newcastle Herald

Saturday January 3, 2009

By ALISON BRANLEY Education Reporter

FIVE out of six government schools in the Hunter Region were broken into or vandalised in the past 12 months but only one in four has security fencing.

Information obtained by The Herald under the Freedom of Information Act has revealed that 249 out of 301 government schools in the Hunter Central Coast region had break-ins or vandalism in the past year, most many times, but only 80 had a security fence.

A further 23 are scheduled to receive a fence, which would bring the ratio up to one in three schools.

The information comes as schools sit deserted over the holiday break.

There were 2625 cases of break-ins and vandalism at Hunter government schools between October 2007 and October 2008, including 1210 reports of broken windows and 505 reports of graffiti, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage.

In one case a school's windows were broken 43 times over the twelve-month period, another school had 52 reports of

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Five in six Hunter schools damaged

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break-ins and vandalism and another, 50.

The NSW Education Department would not reveal which schools were struck because it would identify them as targets.

As schools become equipped with more technology, items such as computers, mobile phones, data projectors and digital cameras have become targets for thieves.

Drums of petrol were stolen in three break-ins, air vents and air-conditioners were also targets while thieves stole brass fittings at another school.

In one incident in April, a 20-litre drum of unleaded petrol, a set of screwdrivers and a cow prod were stolen.

There were at least 26 thefts of copper pipes at schools, causing flooding in classrooms and the playground at one school.

In other cases a tree was ringbarked, children's crossing flags stolen, golf balls damaged, 10 locks filled with glue, bubblers turned to the maximum, a flagpole rope cut, sunscreen sprayed on windows, electrical fuses stolen and freezers unplugged, causing food to spoil.

At some schools with agriculture faculties, five chickens were stolen from one school, dogs entered another school and killed three pregnant sheep while at another a tractor was driven into a cattle shed.

Eggs were stolen from one school's chicken coop on three occasions and during one incident beehives were disturbed.

The NSW Education Department said its safety and security directorate analysed incidents daily to identify any trends.

"Should a school experience repeated security incidents the directorate turns to its intelligence unit and other expert teams to determine the best strategies, some of which have resulted in the apprehension of offenders," a spokesman said. "Security fences are effective but are only one of a number of measures.

"The strategy may also include electronic alarm systems, video surveillance systems, targeted security guard patrols and services and other risk management strategies."

It has urged people to report suspicious activity at schools to its hotline on 1300 880 021.

© 2009 Newcastle Herald

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