School hit twice in as many days

ACT Policing Acting Superintendent Jeff Knight is urging parents to be vigilant about their children’s whereabouts during school holidays following two burglaries of a Waramanga school in as many days.

Sometime between Saturday night (June 28) and Monday morning (June 30) persons have entered the grounds of Stromlo High School, and defaced rooms and onsite sheds with graffiti. No property was taken.

Police are also investigating a further incident on the school’s premises overnight (July 1 / July 2) when fundraising monies and mobile phones were stolen.

Whilst police have yet to link the incidents, they believe it may the work of juvenile offenders.

Acting Superintendent Jeff Knight urged the general public to assist police with their patrols of schools during the holiday period by reporting suspicious behaviour and for parents to be accountable for their children after dark.

“In October 2007, Operation School Safe showed us that school holidays and the associated boredom can lead to unsupervised nocturnal activity by juveniles, many of whom eventually find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I would ask parents / guardians to be accountable for their children during the school holidays and to ensure they are not out at night engaging in criminal activity.

“If in doubt ask, ‘Where is my child right now?’ It just might save them potentially facing criminal charges or the embarrassment of police dropping them unexpectedly at your door,” Acting Superintendent Knight said.

Information relating to the Stromlo High burglaries can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.