Cape Town - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has appealed to all communities to be the eyes and ears of schools, especially during school holidays, when burglaries and vandalism become a common occurrence.
This comes as the department became aware of several break-ins and malicious incidents during the September school break, even though they provide holiday security to 462 schools across the province.
In one incident, classrooms and bathroom facilities at Tuscany Glen High School in Blue Downs were destroyed after the school was broken into twice during the one-week holiday period, resulting in a R30 000 financial loss.
Building tools worth R10 000 were stolen, while 12 white boards and aluminium strips worth R20 000 were stolen.
WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said: “The first incident occurred on September 27, with doors and windows damaged, wiring stolen and other forms of theft and vandalism.
“On October 1, further damage was done to some of the doors, basins and whiteboards.
“Taps and other items were stolen.”
According to a well-placed source, more than 40 classrooms were targeted.
Hammond said the incidents caused unnecessary damages and expenditure.
“It is sad that the school was targeted in this way. The school has plans to avoid damage. Teaching and learning has continued.”
Hammond appealed to the community to report any stolen goods or information relating to the incident to the local SAPS.
Similarly, another high school in Metro North was also hit twice over the holiday.
The name of the school is being withheld for safety purposes at this stage, as thieves got away with the school’s wiring and copper piping.
Hammond said this led to some flooding, which damaged the school’s computer room and ceilings in other areas.
She said cases have been reported to the WCED and SAPS.
“We appeal to communities to report unusual activity around school buildings.
“Communities are also encouraged to report stolen goods. This can lead to arrests. It is always disheartening to hear of such incidents.
“Our schools are assets to all communities and should be treated as such.”
Provincial head for the Educators and Allied Workers Union of SA (Eusa), André de Bruyn, said the break-ins at schools are concerning, especially with the matric exams around the corner.
De Bruyn said drugs and unemployment play huge roles in the problem.
“Take Tuscany Glen, which had 47 classrooms damaged.
“This impacts learning, contact time and uncertainty about what lies ahead.
“The government has a duty to protect schools. Teachers are needed, schools are needed, safety is needed.
“It’s time that priorities get checked.”
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said cases of burglary, housebreaking and theft were registered at Kleinvlei SAPS for investigation.
No arrests have been made. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app.