Minister urges community to keep watch on schools

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek is urging Queenslanders to keep a close watch on their local schools over the summer holidays.

Minister Langbroek called on the community to help protect vacant schools by reporting any suspicious activities such as unusual behaviour, vehicles and noises coming from school grounds.

“The eyes and ears of the community are always our first line of defence against criminals who attempt to steal or damage school property,” Mr Langbroek said.

“I encourage everyone to be alert and report any suspicious activity on the 13 17 88 School Watch phone number.

“The local police or State Government Protective Security Service will respond to reports made through School Watch and will deal with the matter accordingly.

“For personal safety reasons, it’s not a good idea for anyone to try and intervene themselves.”

Mr Langbroek said school security measures would also be stepped up over the holidays.

“Security patrols have been increased and we are monitoring and responding to school alarm systems, as well as working with police and other authorities,” he said.

“The damage caused by vandals, thieves and arsonists is such a needless waste of money and resources, which is why it so important that we ask the community to keep watch as well.

Mr Langbroek said there had been more than 650 calls to the School Watch number since January this year.

“The community has provided some valuable information and leads via the School Watch line, which has resulted in 17 people being detained and 164 people asked to leave school grounds,” he said.

[ENDS] 24 December, 2012

Media Contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652