School patrols slash vandalism
Aug 20 2008 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Wednesday
VANDALISM at schools over the summer holidays is significantly down on last year, it has been revealed.
During the holidays the school were patrolled by police and community wardens. Just three instances of vandalism were reported, compared to 14 over the same period last year.
Stirling area commander Superintendent David Flynn reiterated that those responsible for vandalism would continue to be targeted and brought to justice.
In one incident over the weekend a motorist had a narrow escape after a stone was thrown from the bridge leading to riverside in Stirling and struck his car’s windscreen.
Police are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to come forward.
Supt Flynn said: “Vandalism still causes me great concern.
“Whilst there has been a downturn in the number of school buildings being targeted during the summer holidays, the overall figures indicate that vandalism lies behind a significant amount of recorded crime in the Stirling area command.
“The latest incident could have resulted in much more serious consequences. As it was the motorist was unhurt but the windscreen was cracked.
“Whoever was responsible has clearly had no regard for the outcome of their actions and it is this type of behaviour we are seeking to put a stop to.
“Our activity around vandalism will continue and I would ask members of the public to assist by giving us information about such incidents in order to bring those responsible to justice.”
The Observer has been running a campaign to smash vandalism over the summer holidays, reporting some of the shocking incidents that have occurred in and around Stirling and encouraging the public to help police hunt the vandals down.
Since June this year there have been 220 reported vandalism incidents in the Stirling area command, with over a third of those detected by police and offenders reported to the procurator fiscal or children’s reporter.
Supt Flynn added: “The figure since June is broadly the same as the total for the corresponding period last summer, although there has been a marginal increase in the number of incidents reported.
“We remain determined that acts of vandalism will continue to be robustly dealt with and offenders constantly targeted by my officers.
“I would also like to thank the Stirling Observer for assisting with our efforts over the last few months with their campaign to highlight the misery vandalism brings to our communities.”
Anyone with information on the stone-throwing incident in Stirling can contact police on 01786 456000.
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