NCJ Number
114128
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
In New South Wales, Australia, the annual cost of repairing or replacing vandalized school buildings and their contents is $16 million per year.
Abstract
Vandalism and theft account for approximately $9 million, while arson accounts for the remaining $7 million. Between July 1985 and September 1987, there were 301 school fires. In September 1987, there were 315 breaches of security, ranging from illegal entry to vandalism and arson. The Department of Education has adopted a variety of strategies to combat school crimes. Security measures have included electronic surveillance, mobile patrols, and static guards. Physical security is being increased, and schools are becoming increasingly conscious of the need to ensure that security precautions are followed. In addition, an arson reward program has been established, as have school security watch programs similar to neighborhood watch programs. This program emphasizes passive surveillance using volunteer patrols. Efforts also are being made to promote cooperation among the police, community, fire authorities, and Public Works Department to devise measures for preventing vandalism and arson. A school-community educational awareness security program will be piloted in 1988. Research is being undertaken to examine causes of school vandalism, and a radio campaign was developed to draw public attention to the problem and its prevention. A question-and-answer discussion is included.