School counts vandalism cost

Paint was splattered across walls, floors, doors and furniture causing thousands of dollars of damage when thugs broke into a Broome school over the Easter break.

Cable Beach Primary School principal Steve Price said several windows around the school were smashed and one classroom ransacked and smeared with paint after vandals broke into the building.

Mr Price slammed the act as a “senseless act of vandalism” and estimated damages to be worth around $10,000.

The frustrated head said nothing of value was taken except a pair of bongo drums, indicating the vandals were juveniles.

He said the incident had disrupted operations, with students having to relocate to other classrooms as a result.

“This impacts negatively on the morale of students and staff,” he said.

“As a school and community we are disappointed that these things continue to happen.”

Mr Price said parents needed to ensure they knew where and what their children were doing at all times.

“This type of damage costs the entire community,” he said. “Residents around schools can help by reporting immediately any suspicious activity or noises within our school after hours by notifying police.”

Mr Price said the school was investigating strategies to enhance security at the premises.

Broome police are investigating four other burglaries at commercial properties over the Easter long weekend that could be linked.

“Police are following up lines of investigation and have spoken to a number of persons of interest regarding the incident; however, at this time no charges have been preferred,” Senior Sergeant Brendon Barwick said.

He said the Education Department was reviewing security at the school.

“There was a small quantity of flavoured milk stolen and paint damage to the school estimated at $2000,” Sen. Sgt Barwick said.