Pakenham Secondary College shuts canteen after thefts, property damage

A school in Melbourne’s southeast has been forced to shut its canteen after multiple break-ins caused thousands of dollars of damage.

The canteen at Pakenham Secondary College has been shutdown amid a spate of break-ins. Picture: Tim Carrafa

A school in Melbourne’s southeast has been forced to shut its canteen after multiple break-ins resulting in thousands of dollars of damage.

Kerry Atkinson, from Fishes and Loaves Catering, who runs the canteen at Pakenham Secondary College, said in a statement that it was forced to shut the canteen at the school “effective immediately” after it was broken into on Saturday night.

“We have had repeated break-ins, especially in the last year. The most recent one on Saturday night, which we were not advised of until my staff discovered it at 7.30am this morning,” Ms Atkinson wrote on Facebook.

“It has been very disappointing and frustrating the lack of security that all parties concerned have afforded us, especially when our concerns have been raised repeatedly around such break ins.

“We can no longer justify the cost to our business and the possible further costs that another break-in may occur.”

The Herald Sun has been told the canteen was also broken into in September and January this year, with thieves stealing food and damaging property costing thousands of dollars.

The canteen has been shut ‘effective immediately’ following a series of break-ins. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Ms Atkinson said in the statement she was meant to finish up at the end of the year due to the school putting the canteen out to tender.

“We had hoped that we would see the year out and farewell the last of the students that we have had the pleasure of providing meals to, this is now not the case, and we apologise to any students affected by the canteen closure in these last few weeks.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank those students and staff that we have had the pleasure of serving in the last 10-plus years at Pakenham Secondary College. It has been a pleasure and wish you all well in future endeavours.”

A Victoria Police spokesman said police were investigating a burglary which occurred at an educational facility in Pakenham on Sunday, November 20 about 5.55am.

“Investigators believe offenders broke into the premises and stole food and drinks before leaving the property. The investigation into the incident is ongoing,” he said.

A Department of Education spokeswoman said Pakenham Secondary College would continue its canteen services and is currently in the tender process.

“Expressions of interest close at the end of next week,” the spokeswoman said.