Laura Bagshaw A VILLAGE primary school is looking to tighten its security after its play area was vandalised.Pupils and parents arriving at Caister Infant School on Monday were shocked and dismayed to discover that the children's play area had been covered in fluorescent pink graffiti.
Laura Bagshaw
A VILLAGE primary school is looking to tighten its security after its play area was vandalised.
Pupils and parents arriving at Caister Infant School on Monday were shocked and dismayed to discover that the children's play area had been covered in fluorescent pink graffiti.
A section of the building had also been vandalised, with windows being covered in the spray paint. And the bike sheds were targeted in the weekend attack, too.
Head Brendan McCarney said: “A lot of effort has gone into developing the play area, and everyone has been saddened to see this.
“The children love the play area, and many were in tears when they saw the damage on Monday.”
About six pieces of play equipment, designed for the nursery and reception year children, were targeted in the attack.
Children at the 280-pupil school were told about the vandalism to the �25,000 play area at assembly on Monday, and Mr McCarney has sent letters home to parents.
On Tuesday, a team from GYB Services assessed the damage and removed the graffiti with special products.
“Fortunately, whatever spray
paint was used has come off without too much difficulty,” said Mr McCarney. “But this is still criminal damage.
“The people who did this probably think it's a big joke, but what they don't realise is that, if caught, they could end up with a criminal record.”
A lot of funds for the play area were raised by the school's Friends association, and Mr McCarney is taking steps to protect the school from further attacks.
He added: “We will look to install CCTV and to increase the height of perimeter fencing.”
Sgt Caroline Adams of Norfolk police confirmed that an investigation was under way.
She added: “We are stepping up our patrols in the area and a crime prevention survey has been
arranged.
“We would like to hear from anyone who may have noticed any suspicious people in the area over the weekend or from anyone who may have information in relation to this incident or those responsible for the damage.”
Call Norfolk police on 0845 456 4567 if you can help the investigation.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here