Police in Labasa have issued a warning to school administrations, advising them against keeping substantial amounts of money on school properties. This warning follows a spike in break-ins targeting primary and secondary institutions in the region.
Authorities are calling on schools to enhance their security protocols to ward off further incidents. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the Northern Division, noted a significant rise in break-ins at schools this month, with incidents reported in canteens, classrooms, and various school offices. The police are encouraging schools to adopt protective measures for their facilities and belongings.
Baledrokadroka detailed several break-in incidents that have occurred recently. The first took place between August 5 and 6, when an intruder allegedly forced open a secondary school’s main door in Labasa Town, accessing the canteen and stealing cash and other items.
Another incident involved a primary school outside Labasa Town, where between August 8 and 9, someone broke into the main office and made off with cash. A similar event occurred between August 9 and 11 at a well-known college in the area, where an individual forced open the principal’s office door to steal cash.
Additionally, between August 14 and 15, an intruder targeted a primary and secondary school sharing the same grounds, stealing cash, various items, and snacks. The latest reported break-in happened between August 16 and 17, when an individual entered a primary school in Labasa Town, stealing various snacks, items, and cash.
As the school holidays approach, SSP Baledrokadroka has stressed the importance of securing school property. He emphasized the need for teachers and school management to collaborate in ensuring that a security watchman is present at all times and that appropriate security measures are consistently implemented.