First published in the Sydney Morning Herald on December 3, 1986.
Children at Abbotsford Public School have taken umbrage at the wave of vandalism and burglary to hit the school. There have been eight cases since June this year.
“Disgusted, sick and furious” … Students leaving the school. Credit:Elizabeth Dobbie
Nine and 10-year-olds have deluged the Herald with letters, written obviously without the help of adults, asking what can be done about the problem.
The letters convey the children’s anger that they cannot replace their equipment and that those responsible for its theft or damage have not been caught.
Contacted yesterday, the school principal would not be interviewed, saying: “The department will not let me make official statements.”
The latest attack occurred on November 23, when thieves apparently forced their way through the front door. They entered the headmistress’s office and stole her keys to other parts of the school.
The burglars then stole thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment which the children, parents and teachers had bought. This included three computers, a video-cassette recorder, Hans Christian Andersen videos, cassette players and other electrical goods.
Bank books were thrown in rubbish bins and money stolen front the canteen.
One student, nine-year-old Lara, said the school had no security guard, burglar alarms or grilles on the windows.
From the Archives, 1986: Wave of vandalism enrages 10-year-olds
Source: Philippines Alive
