Help police protect Newry and Mourne schools this summer | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Help police protect Newry and Mourne schools this summer

As we approach the school holidays once again, police in Newry and Mourne are appealing for the whole community to help protect local schools when they are closed over the summer break.

Thirteen windows were broken at St Patrick’s Primary School last year

Thirteen windows were broken by vandals at St Patrick’s Primary School last year

As part of the School Watch initiative, officers will be paying particular attention to schools across the District over the summer months and Crime Prevention Officer, Lisa Sherman, called on the local community to help police prevent any vandalism and bring those responsible to task.

She told Newry Times, “Attacks on schools generally range from broken windows and graffiti but on some occasions have been more serious including arson and burglary.

“Vandalism is disheartening and it is frustrating to see how these mindless acts affect schools that have worked hard to maintain buildings and create a safe environment for pupils throughout the whole year.

“This in turn has a really negative effect on the entire community and I would ask members of the public to assist us in reducing this type of crime. No one wants to see teachers and pupils return to a school which has been vandalised or to come in over the summer to clear up after criminals.”

The crime prevention officer continued, “We would ask anyone who lives near a school to be extra vigilant and report anyone acting suspiciously to police on 999 immediately. We would also urge parents to be aware of what young people are up to and where they are when they are not at home.

“Please also remember that people should not confront possible criminals, that responsibility belongs to us, but public information is vital in helping us respond effectively.

She added, “If you see anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously on school premises after hours or during holidays telephone police on 101 or in an emergency, dial 999.”

Alternatively information about crime can be passed to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=51548

Posted by on Jul 7 2015. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Leave a Reply







Find us on Facebook

Log in | Designed by Gabfire themes