8 July 2011

Bracing for the school torch up.

8 July 2011 | By johnboy

ACT Policing is seeking the community’s support in watching out for suspicious behaviour or unlawful activity in and around Canberra’s schools during the upcoming holiday break.

Operation School Safe kicks off this Saturday (9 July), and will bring an increase in police patrols around schools and school grounds until the end of the holiday period (Sunday, 24 July).

Sergeant Bob Muir from ACT Policing’s Crime Prevention team, said that historically, the holiday period attracts higher incidents of property damage, such as broken windows, graffiti and break-ins at schools across Canberra.

“Schools are usually left vacant during the holiday period, making them targets for criminal and anti-social activity,” Sergeant Muir said.

He said the Canberra public has an important role to play in alerting police to suspicious persons or activity around schools.

“Police and security patrols can only do so much in protecting our schools; we need the eyes and ears of the community to assist us,” Sergeant Muir said.

“If someone believes a crime such as property damage or burglary is in progress at a school then they should phone Police Operations immediately on 131-444. If they have a report about suspicious people or activity around a school in their area and may be able to help us identify an offender, then they should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website at www,act.crimestoppers.com.au. Remember, reports to Crime Stoppers may be made anonymously.”

[Courtesy ACT Policing]