Combined counter to school vandalism

Press, 21 June 1984, Page 16

Combined counter to school vandalism

PA Wellington The Education Department is holding talks with the police in a bid to reduce school vandalism. The talks are one of a series of measures adopted by the department to try to combat increasing vandalism. The department’s director of buildings, Mr Malcolm O’Byrne, said yesterday that it was concerned about the increasing costs, which topped $2.8 million in the last financial year. “We are continuing our

efforts to try to educate people about vandalism,” he said. "We will put out a handbook for guidance to schools, principals, and controlling authorities to try to reduce the incidence and seriousness of vandalism.”

The booklet is being prepared by the department in conjunction with the police and should be ready for distribution in about two months.

Mr O’Byrne said the booklet would point out the basic facts about the destruction of schools, giving figures of the increase, advice on precautions schools can take,

pointing out equipment appealing to the “lightfingered,” and suggesting community involvement to try to reduce vandalism. The department had also been having talks with the police, who were looking at ways they could assist However, the police said yesterday that it was too early to reveal their strategies.

Mr O’Byrne said the department was also working with the Ministry of Works to produce a book for schools on architectural advice as a way of reducing vandalism.