Operation School Safe – protecting our schools

ACT Policing is asking the community to be the eyes and ears as once again police conduct Operation School Safe over the Christmas holidays.

Operation School Safe is about protecting ACT schools and colleges from vandals and thieves during the holiday season.

Station Sergeant Jo Cameron said that there will be greater police patrols around these institutions however the community can help by being the eyes and ears for police.

“As police we try to be there to ensure offences do not occur however sometimes we are tied up with other jobs. Therefore we need help from the Canberra community, particularly those who live near a school, to report any suspicious activity around the school that they see or hear,” Station Sergeant Cameron said.

“ACT Policing will target criminal and anti-social behaviour, such as graffiti, vandalism or trespass, at ACT schools during the Christmas/summer holidays as this is when we generally see offence numbers peak,” she said.

There were 23 property damage and burglary offences in the 2013-14 summer holiday period.  This is a decrease from 48 offences for the same period in 2012-13. During the 2013-14 summer holiday period, ACT Policing responded to 11 burglaries and 12 property damage incidents, a decrease overall of 54 per cent.

During holidays police see an increase of property offences such as burglary, graffiti and vandalism at schools.

“If you see anyone committing an offence or acting suspiciously around a school, contact Police Operations on 131 444. Alternatively, you can report any incidents to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. This information can be provided anonymously,” said Station Sergeant Cameron.

Operation School Safe begins Friday, December 19 and will end Sunday, February 4 (2015).