Burglaries won’t deter school’s core role

A school plagued by burglaries is upbeat despite facing another hurdle in its bid to put an end to thefts.

Security upgrades suggested for Te Papapa School could cost as much $165,000.

‘‘There is light at the end of the tunnel but at the school’s expense,’’ executive officer Anita Faitala says.

The Central Leader featured an article about the decile 2 school in February after its 12th burglary in two years. It had suffered more break-ins than any other central Auckland primary school.

The

loss

of

multiple televisions, computers and even the caretaker’s tools has been devastating.

Police said at the time that it is a stand-out case since property crime at schools, including burglaries, is decreasing in the Auckland City Police District.

There has been one more burglary since the article.

Security has been increased but further needs identified in an audit will come with a big price tag.

Ultimately improvements will need to be funded by the school.

‘‘We take pride in our environment and this means we’ll have to stretch our dollar,’’ Faitala says.

But the school is determined not to be beaten, she says.

‘‘Many of the children come from homes that are not well resourced so we need to be well resourced for them. Our core job is children. We can’t let security concerns get in the way of our core job,’’ Faitala says.