School pupils in Cornelly launch Schoolwatch Initiative
Pupils from Cornelly Primary School, and Ysgol Y Ferch O'r Sger, have today launched an initiative called SchoolWatch, in partnership with South Wales Police to combat incidents of vandalism in the summer holidays.
As part of SchoolWatch, the pupils have taken part in an awareness campaign, where properties overlooking the schools were visited, to get residents to keep an eye on the school during the summer holiday period. To inform the school's neighbours about SchoolWatch, pupils delivered informative leaflets, that included messages about reporting any suspicious behaviour.
School Community Police Officer Sarah Morgan, and Police Community Support Officer Joanne Cawley accompanied the pupils. The joint initiative between the two schools has been implemented in response to previous summer holiday periods, where school property has been damaged.
SCPO Sarah Morgan stated "The SchoolWatch programme allows the pupils to take positive action to inform local residents about the importance of being alert to any tresspassers on the school grounds during the upcoming holidays. This initiative further represents good teamwork between the two schools, who share the same grounds."
SCPO Sarah Morgan continues "It's a shame that the pupils have to resort to such actions, but there are a minority of people who engage in anti social behaviour on school grounds. Behaviour that includes vandalism is simply not acceptable, and South Wales Police will be carrying out regular patrols around schools throughout the borough, to deter such behaviour and apprehend any offenders."
Ysgol Y Ferch O'r Sger Deputy HeadTeacher Mr Mason stated "It's very encouraging to see the pupils working hard on an initiative that has the aim of protecting school property. It clearly shows the pupils have pride in their school, and want to make sure that it remains damage free when they return from the summer holidays."
Divisional Commander Superintendent Tim Jones stated "The SchoolWatch initiative is another example of how South Wales Police will work collectively with our schools, and communities to target offences like vandalism. It will further allow school resources to be invested in the pupils, as opposed to paying for repairs needed from mindless acts of criminal damage."
South Wales Police urges community members with any information on damage to school property to contact Bridgend police station on 01656 655 555, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
