Schools are hit by rise in vandalism

Jamie MacDonald • Published 26 May 2010 10:37 0 Comments

A SPATE of vandalism at Clackmannanshire primary schools in recent weeks has come with a high price tag.

The financial cost of the destruction of external school property cost Clackmannanshire Council over £33,233 in 2009-10 - and it shows no sign of dropping in the current financial year.

In recent weeks, St John's Primary windows have been smashed regularly at weekends, learning boards outside Coalsnaughton Nursery have been damaged and, last month, Tullibody's Ladywell Nursery even had to close its doors for an afternoon after the building's water tank was vandalised. Ladywell's water tank cost £900 to repair.

As the local authority struggles to make ends meet through the tough financial times the spend on repairing vandalised property is a drain on finances they could do without.

The council's portfolio holder for inclusion George Matchett told the Advertiser, "Vandalism in any school estate is money coming out of the public purse and we have less to spend in other areas.

"Not only does it have a bad effect cosmetically, generally speaking, it is caused by people in their own community.

"We are almost at the stage where we have to build something round the school to protect it - hopefully people will wake up as these buildings are important for our children."

Mr Matchett also noted the effect that walking in to a damaged school may have on young children.

He continued, "We are doing the best we can to provide the warm and safe environment it should be.

"The last thing we want is children to find their premises have been vandalised.

"Hopefully people in the community are aware of who is doing it and they can pass the details on to either the police or the council."

In Central Scotland Police's Chief Constable's report, published last week, Chief Constable Kevin Smith stated that vandalism remained the biggest factor in the annual crime statistics.

However, in the Wee County, reports of vandalism dropped by 22 per cent (276 fewer crimes) last year.

Alloa community constable, PC Gordon Currie, said officers would be increasing patrols in the area around St John's Primary.

This weekend was the first this month where there were no reports of damage to windows of the school, although the police still received calls over anti-social behaviour in the area.

PC Currie said, "There has recently been a lot of anti-social behaviour.

"The damage has been deliberate and we have managed to trace someone over one of the incidents.

"We will be carrying out regular patrols and taking bike patrols there this weekend."

Anyone with details on who is responsible for damage caused to Clackmannanshire's schools should contact Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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