Four schools trashed by vandals in just one week

Eitan Grant - Eitan Grant • Published 2 Oct 2008 12:30

Four schools have been trashed by cruel vandals in just one week.

Arkleston and Newmains primaries in Renfrew along with Kilbarchan Primary all suffered from broken windows and were covered in ugly graffiti in one 24-hour period of mindless destruction.

One Arkleston school insider said: 'We had to clean up the mess before the teachers and pupils arrived in the morning.

'This is the second time in a week we have been targeted.

'It is very upsetting and something needs to be done about it.'

Education bosses are keen to point out that they have made progress in reducing attacks on schools during the summer holidays.

A Council spokesperson said: 'The recent vandalism is disappointing and we"d urge anyone with any knowledge of these incidents to contact the police.

'However there have been recent positive developments in reducing vandalism against school buildings.

'During the summer holidays vandalism against Renfrewshire schools was cut by more than 50 percent thanks in part to the Summer School Watch scheme.

'It is a joint initiative run by Renfrewshire Council"s anti-social behaviour investigations team, community wardens and Strathclyde Police.

'Over the 2008 summer holidays the campaign targeted 14 schools across Renfrewshire, an increase from 10 the previous year.

'This year saw a reduction in the cost of vandalism to schools from £24,373 in summer 2007 to £12,023 in summer 2008.

'This follows on from the success of the Spring School Watch scheme which saw a 48% reduction in vandalism to Renfrewshire"s schools over the Easter holidays.

'Part of the campaign sees schools being frequently patrolled by police and wardens during holidays, as well as posters being circulated warning that schools are covered by CCTV cameras.

'Local residents are also urged to report any anti-social behaviour to the police.

'The reduction is also in part due to significant investment by Renfrewshire Council"s education and leisure department to install shutters at schools which had previously been targeted by vandals.'

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This article appeared in The Gazette 02 Oct 08

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