School holidays start next week and most schools will be empty until late in January next year, apart from occasional visits by people such as cleaners, maintenance and teaching staff.
During this period, the Queensland Government Protective Security Service will be checking on state government schools such as the Craigslea schools and many private
schools engage their own security firms.
Police will also include the schools in their patrols.
Despite these measures, schools will
be more vulnerable to problems during the school holiday period.
That's why the the Queensland Police Service, the State
Government Protective Security Service and Education Queensland have joined together in the
School Watch Program.
School Watch is like a Neighbourhood Watch program for schools, where people who live nearby are asked to keep an eye on them and report any suspicious activity to the
School Watch number 131788 or, if a
crime is in progress, to
000.
As the School Watch sign says
“Look; Listen; Report”.
People are also reminded that while it may be tempting to make use of school facilities such as the ovals, tennis and basketball courts and the pool, doing so without permission is not permitted.
School grounds are not public property like parks and only the school principal can give permission for people to enter the grounds or use the facilities.
Of course, some schools operate schemes where people can hire the tennis courts or school hall and that's fine. But please be aware that doing so or even just being present on school grounds without permission is trespassing and can lead to prosecution.
Residents can make a difference, just as they do in Neighbourhood
Watch, so please keep an eye on our local schools and those you may go pass
in the course of the day and report anything that seems out of place.
We need everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our schools.
Remember - the School Watch number 131788 or, if a crime is in progress, call 000.
Let’s work together to help create a safer school community.
