A Bury primary school is being forced to install security cameras after vandals smashed windows and threw eggs at an office window.
Chantler’s Primary School on Foulds Avenue says it is being forced to install additional security measures at a cost of thousands after experiencing a sudden spate of vandalism.
Over the last few weeks, the vandals have broken into storage containers, taken chairs, and damaged planters which double as seating which will now have to be removed.
Toys from the school’s preschool, including bikes and goal posts, have been thrown into the school’s pond.
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Vandals have have also thrown eggs at the head teacher’s office window as part of multiple acts of "mindless" destruction.
Earlier this week the trespassers smashed the windows of the school’s wellbeing hub, which is now temporarily out of use.
School business manager, Jo Windows, says staff are concerned that the vandalism could escalate further.
“This weekend it has really ramped up,” she said.
She says there are concerns that the vandals will start a fire at the school after pieces of burned paper were found on the grounds.
Jo said: “We’re really concerned that if they get into the school by breaking windows, they could really do some damage.
“Parents are angry and distressed.”
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Jo says the school has already invested £3,000 for better fencing in an attempt to keep intruders out, and she expects they will have to pay at least an additional £2,000 for security cameras to catch the vandals and to deter more damage being done in the future.
Staff at the school have had to start repair work themselves, but Jo says that some equipment will simply have to be thrown away.
Jo says that evidence of drug use has also been found on the school grounds along with the damage done to it’s property.
She added: “It’s really upsetting for the children as this is their safe place.”
If you have any information about the vandalism contact police on 101.
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