Police in Armagh are appealing for the whole community to help protect local schools while they are closed over the summer break.
The appeal comes after damage was caused to sheds and doors in Poyntzpass Primary School between Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1.
An item was also set on fire in a shed.
Constable Cosgrove, Armagh Response, said: “Vandalism is disheartening and it is frustrating to see how these mindless acts affect schools that have worked hard to maintain buildings and create a safe environment for pupils throughout the whole year.
“This in turn has a really negative effect on the entire community and I would ask members of the public to assist police in reducing this type of crime. No one wants to see teachers and pupils return to a school which has been vandalised or to come in over the summer to clear up after criminals.
“This type of criminal damage diverts funding towards repairing and away from extra staff to help the children learn and on much needed school resources such as books and computer equipment. Money is also being spent on securing premises with window grilles, alarm systems, security cameras, fences and other crime reduction devices.
“We would ask anyone who lives near to a school to be extra vigilant and report anyone acting suspiciously to police on 999 immediately. We would also urge parents to be aware of what young people are up to and where they are when they are not at home.”
If anyone has any information in relation to the damage at Poyntzpass Primary School,contact police on 101. They are particularly keen to speak to two young men who were in the local area on skateboard.
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