Measures to secure schools

SEVERAL schools have been victims of robberies in the past couple of months.

There was a shoot-out with alleged robbers at Edenvale High School and a break-in at Menzi Primary School in Ekurhuleni which have put the issue of school security in the spotlight.

“While there shouldn’t be much cash kept on a school property, there are other high-value items such as tablets and laptops that would make the property a target,” said Charnel Hattingh, marketing and communications manager, Fidelity ADT.

She said schools should also practice and prepare staff and pupils on how to react should an incident occur. “It’s also important to remember that nursery schools,home playgroups and crèches are also targets.”

Hattingh said perimeter security and entry/exit security needed to be implemented. “Often sports fields, courts and swimming pools make the area difficult to secure.

“Good perimeter security is your first line of defence. Employing guards to man the entrances may be the solution. Ensure that they are well trained and have been through the necessary screening checks,” she said.

She urged schools to invest in reliable alarm systems and to check these at least once a month, including all panic buttons.

“Several panic buttons should be placed around the school – static buttons under desks or on walls and mobile panic buttons carried by staff.”

There have also been incidents of hijackings in school car parks and at crèches run from home.