Security call at school site

Owners urged to act after fire

POLICE have urged the owners of an abandoned Claremont school struck by arson to better secure the site to avoid further attacks.

The old Claremont Primary School, on Cadbury Rd, was damaged by a suspicious fire about 3.30pm on Thursday.

Two buildings were engulfed by fire, resulting in damage of more than $150,000. There was also minor damage to the main school building.

Glenorchy CIB Detective Sergeant Ben Duffey said police were treating the fire as arson.

“It is frustrating for police, it’s also frustrating for the community,’’ he said.

“No one likes to have this type of crime committed in their community. It’s a residential area.

“We’re trying to work with the owners ... to implement some type of security measures in relation to it. Whether that be securing the site so youths are unable to get into that site, or erecting some type of banners around it.”

Sgt Duffey said fires, graffiti and property damage were on- going issues at the site but it was too early to say if they were connected to Thursday’s arson.

A teenager has been charged in relation to a fire at the school on July 27 and will be dealt with by the youth justice system.

Sgt Duffey said it appeared building materials were used to start the fire.

Detectives revisited the site yesterday, canvassing the area and trying to find out who was there at the time.

No suspects have been identified but a number of people are known to regularly congregate there.

“There are some members of the community who might know something and we urge [them] to come forward,” Sgt Duffey said. Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas .com.au