EDITORIAL - Punishing vandals

An epidemic of school vandalism and burglary is spreading across the country, and it is causing distress among teachers and students alike. The latest reports from St Catherine, Portland and Clarendon illustrate just how widespread the vandalism spree has become. There are some suggestions that the upsurge is caused by the dire economic situation and, perhaps, we should brace ourselves for it could get worse.

The effects of these acts on institutions range from inconvenience to discomfort and fear. Vandalism and theft have an impact on victims both emotionally and financially.

Theft of teaching material, including computers, is bound to affect the learning opportunities of the children, many of whom do not have access to such tools at their homes. When someone steals a computer, the children's lesson plan is interrupted. When someone steals food from the canteen, students may go hungry. When someone steals cash from the school, important activities may have to be curtailed. When someone steals school supplies in an environment of scarcity, the teachers are left struggling to fill the gap. Everyone loses when someone steals from a school. Is it fair to these young children who are seeking to gain an education? Who is listening to the voice of teachers when they say enough is enough?

What is most distressing is the fact that these acts of vandalism and theft are regularly repeated because the perpetrators are never caught and punished. By the time their crime is discovered, they are usually long gone, leaving behind the sickening evidence of their deeds. And so they are free to attack again.

We recognise that the role of the police in preventing vandalism is limited by inadequate resources and most schools cannot afford to install proper security. Watchmen and security guards hired by schools, while providing a physical presence, are hardly able to stand up to these criminals. The suggestion that schools employ watchmen on a 24-hour basis may not be the answer to this growing menace.

Zero tolerance from communities

Should communities be shouldering more of the burden to protect the schools that their children attend? Not only should the community, including the school boards, play a role in turning back the thieves, they should be looking out for the loot and alerting the police. It is high time that communities band together against this evil and demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to assault on our schools.

Another solution could be the introduction of stiffer penalties for those found guilty of school vandalism and theft. Not only should they be made to pay for the damage to the school property, they should be ordered to work and pay for the stolen items.

We can blame vandalism and burglary on the hard times, lack of guidance for desperate youth or even disrespect for public property. But there is only one solution as we see it. The punishment must fit the crime and the perpetrators should suffer the financial pain of their deeds.

Vandals ought to be taught a lesson, but we first have to apprehend them.

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