Vandalism at school sparks plea to parents
Kids climbing on containers
A Perthshire primary school has become a target for thoughtless vandals over the past fortnight.
Inchture Primary School has seen a number of its benches damaged and its Play Rangers shed broken into over the last two weekends.
The school has also been made aware of older children and teenagers climbing onto the top of containers in the playground - and even onto the school roof itself, putting their own lives at risk.
After the “significant amount” of vandalism at the school, staff are now looking for the local community’s support by asking parents and carers to ensure that no children attend the grounds unsupervised after school or on weekends.
Police Scotland has also been contacted over the incidents.
A statement on the school’s social media page read: “Our buddy benches have been significantly damaged, with one now being beyond repair, and our Play Rangers shed has also been damaged and has been broken into.
“We are also aware of incidences of older children and teenagers climbing on to the top of containers in the playground and the school roof itself.
“This is very concerning and potential life-threatening behaviour.
“We have been in contact with Police Scotland and passed on relevant information.
“We are aware that unsupervised children have been gaining access after school and at weekends through community access and we have contacted the relevant officiants to ensure that will not happen again.
“Due to the significant amount of vandalism to the school grounds we are asking for your support to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
“Children should not be left unsupervised to play in the school grounds either after school or at the weekend; they are most welcome to play if accompanied by an adult.
“If you see anything suspicious, we ask you to please contact the police.
“We appreciate all our parental communities support in this matter.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council added: “We want to encourage children and young people to be active and spend time with their peers but not in ways that have a detrimental effect on their communities.
“We are aware of the damage caused to seating and other facilities in the playground at Inchture Primary School as a result of recent vandalism.
“The school and the council are also aware of instances of older children and young people climbing on storage containers and the school building itself which we would also strongly discourage for very clear safety reasons.
“Parents/carers are also being asked to ensure that there is no unsupervised access outside school hours to the school’s multiuse games area.
“We would ask that anyone who witnessed vandalism or antisocial behaviour over the past two weekends at the school or has information about who may be responsible to contact Police Scotland direct on 101.”
This is potential life-threatening behaviour