Vandals return for second attack on Plymouth school site

VANDALS have struck again in school grounds in Eggbuckland causing yet more expensive damage.

Just a week after yobs targeted Austin Farm Nursery in Delamere Road, damaging a wooden climbing frame, security fencing and a security light, police believe they have returned to target the neighbouring Austin Farm primary school.

Teacher Kerry Dunn with the damaged gazebo in the grounds of the school
The report of the first vandalism attack in the Herald of Friday October 5

Colin Randall, headteacher said the gazebo and its sheeting cover was slashed, leaving it with a gaping hole, some time on Sunday night.

He said: "It isn't a large amount of damage, but it's a concern that they have got into the grounds and caused yet more damage.

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"We believe it's the same group of people doing this to both us and the adjacent nursery.

"They also hit the nursery again, forcing open an external cupboard and throwing the toys around.

"We've had a parent say they were walking past the other night and heard giggling and laughing coming from inside the grounds.

"The cost of this is the knock-on, as we'll have to increase our security.

"It takes money away from the children and no school should be having to pay out more and more money on protecting itself.

"We're as cash strapped as any other school. Those responsible are not really thinking who they are hurting or the damage they are causing. They could well have younger brothers and sisters, or cousins at this school or nursery."

Police said they would be carrying out increased patrols in the area in an attempt to deter those responsible, but are keen to hear from anyone with more information about the culprits.

PCSO Neil MacRae said there had been other incidents over the summer where the nursery and schools were hit by vandals.

He said: "We are liaising with the school and they want to do some improvements on their security.

"We are contacting parents and neighbours to raise their awareness of the problem, urging them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, but it is a quiet and secluded spot.

"With the nursery we've put them in touch with the crime prevention officer, but we really need people to immediately report any suspicious behaviour they see or hear."

If you can assist police contact them on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number EL/12/4430.