Improved security measures at a vandal-hit Fife school should be discussed as a matter of urgency, according to local parents.
Pitcoudie Primary School in Glenrothes has been targeted by vandals and thieves in the past month, with police currently probing the theft of nine laptop computers with an estimated value of more than £8,000.
The break-in by two hooded men on November 20 came just days after the school’s community garden was targeted by local youths.
Planters and two benches including a memorial to pupil Logan Carrie, who was killed crossing the A92 last year, were destroyed.
Fed up mums and dads have now had enough of seeing their youngsters come home heartbroken and have demanded firm action.
Councillor Fiona Grant said: “Members of the public tell me that several suggestions for improved security were vetoed on human rights grounds or expense.
“I will be pressing Fife Council to prioritise the rights of innocent school children not to see their garden space or memorial area vandalised over the rights of a member of the public who chooses to walk through school grounds.
“As for expense, repairing damage and replacing items costs anyway, improved security should be considered spend to save.
“I look forward to working with the school community, police and council staff to better protect the school.”
Local MSP Jenny Gilruth said she was “saddened and appalled” to hear what had happened.
“I have made contact with the school itself to express my sympathies and I have also been liaising with Police Scotland,” she said.
“I would urge anyone in my constituency who has any information to come forward and inform the police immediately so that the culprits can be caught.”
Local woman Alison McIntyre, 46, whose youngest son Ronnie, 7, is in primary 3 at Pitcoudie said: “I think there needs to be some sort of meeting to sort out the security.
“There is CCTV there but they are saying it’s rubbish and it’s really grainy, so why can’t they upgrade it? What’s the point in having it then?
“I’ve heard about the human rights argument but if these people are breaking into a primary school they need to be held responsible for their actions and feel ashamed.”
Neil Finnie, Fife Council’s senior compliance officer, said: “Fife Council takes the issue of vandalism in our schools extremely seriously, as it can cause real disruption in our school communities.
“We are already looking at what next steps to take in response to the recent vandalism at Pitcoudie, including measures to prevent future incidents wherever possible.
“Fife Council continues to work with the school community, parents and police to better protect the school and we are examining appropriate crime prevention tactics.
“Vandalism to any of our schools is completely unacceptable and it is very disappointing for pupils and the local community.
“We urge anyone who sees any untoward activity to contact Police Scotland.”
