Vandals strip fewer local schools of assets
THE number of schools targeted over the autumn school holiday period has decreased from seven schools last year to three schools this year after the Western Cape Education Department beefed up security measures at highrisk schools.
Four cases were reported by three schools across the province, which saw minor theft of copper pipes and electrical cabling, with damage estimated at less than R50 000.
“The estimated cost of damage thus far has come in at around R20 000. This is the lowest amount reported since I took office four years ago. Two of the targeted schools were in the Cape Winelands and one school is in Metro South District.
“I am informed that in the case of the Metro South School, neighbours heard the perpetrators breaking into the school and alerted police.
“A school is a community asset and everyone should help protect schools as they are fundamental to the future of our children,” said Education MEC Debbie Schäfer.
The Safe Schools Directorate is busy mobilising communities to look after schools, in conjunction with the police and community-based organisations, Schäfer said. The Safe Schools Directorate also increased security at high-risk schools, but the assistance of the community has been highlighted as the best asset in protecting schools.
“Co-operation of the community is essential to combat vandalism and to create a safe school environment. We urge community members to be extra vigilant throughout the year and to immediately report any suspicious behaviour or activities in the vicinity of their schools.
“I would also like to thank the many communities that have taken this seriously and helped us to protect our schools. While we can and do try to safeguard our schools with additional security measures, we cannot win the fight against school burglary and vandalism without community support.”
I THANK THE MANY COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE HELPED US PROTECT OUR SCHOOLS. WE CANNOT WIN THIS FIGHT ALONE