Police sergeant Stephen Wheeler confirms break-ins at Gunalda State School

Windows have been smashed, property damaged and goods stolen in a spate of random attacks on a small town state school between Gympie and the Fraser Coast.

Gunalda State School

Police have confirmed Gunalda State School was targeted by vandals in four separate break and enters over the past few months, that have been described as “malicious” in intent.

Maryborough Police Sergeant Stephen Wheeler said the first incident was reported to have occured between June 17-18, where a suspect removed the glass louvre of the school administration block and stole a small amount of money.

Several months later on September 5, at 10:30pm, Sgt Wheeler said offenders entered the school grounds and smashed the louvres of the office building and unlocked the door.

Once inside they destroyed property and sprayed a fire extinguisher over various items in the room, covering them in white powder.

“They have then gone to C-block and smashed windows on that occasion and have taken medication that was in the room,” Sgt Wheeler said.

Gunalda State School that was targeted by vandals in a spate of break-ins and thefts.

Sgt Wheeler said another incident followed between September 8-9, where suspects gained entry to the office block and other classrooms once again.

“It appears to be more malicious damage; they broke into the office block and classrooms by smashing windows,” he said.

“Three windows have been smashed and things have been thrown around; it doesn’t say that any property was stolen on that occasion.”

The most recent and most significant break and enter was on September 16 at 4:45am, where a total of seven windows were smashed and one door was damaged.

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On this occasion, numerous buildings were ransacked and graffiti painted on a wall.

“They have had quite a few incidents, everyone of those incidents is still being investigated by Tiaro police,” Sgt Wheeler said.

“If anyone has any information either ring Crime Stoppers or Maryborough Police.”

Theebine resident Ashleigh Jensen said security have been patrolling the grounds since the break-ins and believed the Gunalda fire on September 16 was likely linked to the school incidents.

“Definitely a bit concerning in such a small community but I have every faith in the law enforcement hopefully we will see some actual punishment being dished out,” Miss Jensen said.

The cause of the grass fire at 7pm on September 16 is still under investigation.

Originally published as Police sergeant Stephen Wheeler confirms break-ins at Gunalda State School