Vandals run riot with up to £40,000 of damage to school Windows and vending machine smashed
David Campbell
A pair of teenage yobs caused up to £40,000 of damage after smashing windows at a Paisley high school.
The louts went on a wrecking spree at Gleniffer High, raiding vending machines and ransacking parts of the building.
Police say the mindless teens targeted the school between 9.15pm and 10.05pm on Tuesday night.
It’s believed the teenage crooks broke a large number of windows before entering the building, where they smashed a vending machine and took sweets.
The repair bill is expected to be between £30,000 and £40,000 at the Amochrie Road school.
Inspector Tracy Harkins, from Paisley’s community policing team, insists this sort of wanton damage is not on.
She said: “A large number of windows were smashed at the at Gleniffer High School between 9.15pm and 10.05pm on Tuesday night.
“A number of items within the property were also damaged, including vending machines.
“This was a senseless act of vandalism which will cost a fivefigure sum of money to repair.
“This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities.
“We work closely with schools and other partners to prevent these kinds of incidents and would encourage members of the public to get in touch if they have any information.
She added: “We would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call the police on 101.”
Staff tweeted a message to parents, warning the school had been vandalised, but said it was open as usual and workers were on site yesterday.
They wrote: “Unfortunately there has been some vandalism in the school overnight but we will be open as usual.
“Fantastic team on site now working away. Classes operating as normal.”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson confirmed this.
A spokesman said: “Gleniffer High School remains open as normal following a break- in sometime between Tuesday evening and the early hours of Wednesday morning.
“A team is on site to repair damage caused, including a number of smashed windows, and to ensure the school is safe and operational for young people and staff.
“All classes are running as normal and all facilities are available.
“Police are aware and are investigating.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said two boys, aged 13 and 15, had been charged with malicious mischief and had been reported to the Children’s Hearing.
This was a senseless act of vandalism that will cost a five-figure sum to repair. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated Insp Harkins