Police have alerted school administrators in Labasa to refrain from keeping large amounts of cash on school grounds. This advisory follows a spike in break-ins that have targeted both primary and secondary schools in the vicinity.
Authorities are encouraging educational institutions to adopt more stringent security protocols to deter future incidents. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the Northern region, reported an uptick in school break-ins this month.
These break-ins have affected canteens, classrooms, and various school offices. The police are calling on schools to take proactive steps to protect their facilities and belongings.
Baledrokadroka detailed several incidents, starting with a burglary that occurred between August 5 and 6, when an individual unlawfully entered a secondary school in Labasa Town, breaking into the canteen to steal cash and other items.
Another incident took place at a primary school outside Labasa Town between August 8 and 9, where an intruder forcefully accessed the main office and stole cash. A similar case happened between August 9 and 11 at a well-known college in Labasa, where someone broke into the principal’s office and took cash.
Additionally, there was an incident between August 14 and 15 at a combined primary and secondary school where an intruder stole cash, various items, and snacks. The most recent break-in, occurring between August 16 and 17, involved the theft of snacks, items, and cash from a primary school in Labasa Town.
As educators, students, and parents gear up for the upcoming school holidays, SSP Baledrokadroka stressed the necessity of properly securing school properties. He emphasized the need for school staff and management to collaborate to ensure constant oversight.
“Teachers and school management must ensure that a watchman is on duty at all times,” said SSP Baledrokadroka. “Security measures need to be in place at all times.”