Police in Labasa have issued a warning to local school administrations about the dangers of keeping large amounts of cash on their premises. This advisory comes amid a noticeable increase in break-ins targeting both primary and secondary educational institutions in the area.
Authorities are urging schools to enhance their security protocols to deter such incidents. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the Northern division, has highlighted a rise in break-ins at schools this month.
These break-ins have typically occurred in canteens, classrooms, and school offices. The police are emphasizing the need for schools to adopt preventive measures to protect their facilities and valuables.
Recent reports detail several incidents: The first occurred between August 5 and 6, when an individual allegedly forced open the main door of a secondary school in Labasa Town, gaining access to the canteen and stealing cash and various items. The second incident involved a primary school outside Labasa Town, where between August 8 and 9, an intruder broke into the main office and took cash.
Another similar case was reported between August 9 and 11 at a college in Labasa, where someone forced entry into the principal’s office and stole cash. There was also a break-in between August 14 and 15 at a primary and secondary school on the same property, where the thief made off with cash, assorted items, and snacks. The most recent incident took place between August 16 and 17 at a primary school in Labasa Town, where snacks, items, and cash were stolen.
As the school holidays approach, SSP Baledrokadroka has reinforced the importance of ensuring school properties are securely maintained. He stated that teachers and school management must collaborate to ensure that a security guard is present at all times, asserting that security measures should always be in effect.