School security crackdown these holidays

A crackdown on school security will swing into action over the winter holidays, making state schools a shrinking target for would-be thieves, vandals and arsonists.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the protection of state schools during semester breaks required the support of the whole community.

“I’m calling on anyone who notices suspicious activity around their local schools to immediately contact police or call the School Watch hotline on 13 17 88,” Mr Welford said.

“We will be implementing measures to safeguard our schools over the holidays, including support from police, the State Government Security Service, private security firms and the School Watch program.

“In 2007-08 our Government allocated $3.3 million to the School Security Program to assist in the reduction of security-related incidents in schools.

“This has contributed to a 24 per cent reduction in the number of insurance claims for break and enters and vandalism in the past 12 months.

“I want to spend money on school resources for students, not on the clean-up of damage caused by vandalism, break-ins and arson.”

Mr Welford said school security patrols were a regular sight in many areas during school holidays.

“These efforts along with intruder detection devices, alarms and 24-hour monitoring are having a positive impact on security and the protection of school property,” he said.

“State schools belong to all Queenslanders and it is our responsibility to do our very best to protect schools on behalf of the community.

“But it is important that we get the balance right – we don’t want to turn our schools into fortresses because of a few foolish people who want to ruin it for the majority.”

Mr Welford also wished students and school staff a safe and happy holiday.

“I would like to thank our teachers and staff for contributing to a productive and successful first semester,” he said.

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336