Police and council officers will step up patrols at schools and nurseries in West Dunbartonshire in response to “a relentless spate of vandalism and antisocial behaviour.”
The move comes after a fire at Gavinburn Primary School and Early Learning and Childcare Centre in which vandals destroyed thousands of pounds in resources last month.
Valuable children’s resources including external play equipment, wellington boots and playsuits for outdoor play were also lost due to the blaze and there was significant damage caused at the entrance to the ELCC, including to external lighting and the alarm system.
At the time, headteacher Marie Wilson posted on social media that she was
“truly devastated by the mindless vandalism.”
Dalreoch ELCC in Dumbarton has also been targeted with vandals destroying outside play equipment, whilst Our Lady of Loretto Primary School and ELCC in Clydebank has been singled out for regular attacks.
Officers from the WDC’s antisocial behaviour team will now include educational premises while out on their community patrols, whilst Police Scotland will monitor sites in an attempt to reduce vandalism in school grounds.
Chief Inspector Coleen Wylie of Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Police said: “We are aware of these recent issues involving antisocial behaviour incidents around schools and we are acutely aware of the disruptive effect this can have on the community.
“Local officers are working closely with partners, including West Dunbartonshire Council, to address these issues.
“Dedicated patrols are carried out in affected areas, with officers providing reassurance to the community as well as discouraging antisocial behaviour.
“We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified.”
Police Crime Prevention Officers are also set to work with the council and Scottish Strathclyde Fire and Rescue to visit schools to raise awareness of the dangers of fire starting in Fire Safety awareness sessions to pupils.
Councillor Clare Steel, convener of educational services, commented: “Our families have been very upset at the mindless anti-social behaviour and vandalism within our school grounds.
“This is very distressing not only for our employees but for the children to see their beloved possessions deliberately damaged is hard for them to understand.
“Our employees, along with the support of families, work hard to create outdoor learning areas to teach our children and young people and to have them destroyed beyond repair is absolutely heartbreaking.”
Councillor Craig Edward, convener of housing and communities, added: “West Dunbartonshire Council has a zero tolerance policy on this behaviour and our antisocial behaviour team will work closely with Police Scotland to take the most appropriate action against any offender identified.
“Children should not have to experience this at any age but particularly our youngest children who don’t understand why anyone would want to destroy their special areas.
“We are taking swift action to prevent any further vandalism and working in partnership with Police Scotland, our team will increase patrols around schools to discourage these youths from entering the grounds and causing mindless acts of vandalism.”
Anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area is encouraged to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 as soon as possible.
