Skylights broken, air-vents damaged: Cairnlea Park Primary targeted in three-night crime spree

Vandals have attacked a primary school in Melbourne’s northwest three times in two weeks, leaving behind a trail of destruction that may cost thousands of dollars to repair.

A cherished northwestern suburbs primary school has found itself at the centre of a three-night crime spree, with vandals causing potentially thousands of dollars in damage earlier this month.

Victoria Police is aware of at least three incidents that have occurred at Cairnlea Park Primary in the past fortnight, with a group of troublesome teenagers believed to be responsible for wrecking havoc at the school.

The school first reported criminal damage to police on September 3, after finding skylights and air-vents had been broken overnight.

Cairnlea Park Primary has been the targe of a three-night vandalism spree. Picture: Cairnlea Park Primary

Four days later officers were called to the campus – which is attended by more than 800 students – after receiving a complaint about several youths being on the roof of a school building.

“Officers attended the Carmody Drive school and conducted a search of the area about 11.10pm (but) no one was located,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

The following night, police were called to the school again due to “youths causing trouble”.

“Responding officers searched the school grounds on Carmody Drive about 10.40pm,” the spokeswoman said.

“It is believed up to four youths had left the scene prior to police arrival.”

There are yet to be any arrests in relation to the incidents.

The incidents have understandably frustrated the school community, with one parent claiming damage left behind as a result of the group’s alleged antics required tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.

The Herald Sun asked the Department of Education how much it would cost the school to repair the damage, however an answer wasn’t provided.

Instead, a Department of Education spokeswoman said it was working with the school to provide support to prevent further incidents.

“Government schools have 24/7 alarm monitoring and CCTV coverage to deter and detect thieves and vandals,” she said.

The Herald Sun revealed on Monday $2.38m was spent on repairs last year following vandalism and break-ins at almost 300 Victorian state schools.

Incidents included buildings set on fire, bricks thrown through windows and vandals stealing water meters.

Exclusive documents obtained under Freedom of Information (FOI) laws revealed Deanside Primary School in Melbourne’s west spent the most on repairs, with one claim alone costing a whopping $279,700.

Berwick Chase Primary School made 11 reports of property damage totalling $29,000.

Meanwhile, Sunshine College encountered 11 incidents of vandalism last year, costing the school almost $135k.

Most reports were made in March, about the same time looters broke into the school several times to steal copper parts, leaving the campus without power, heating and hot water.

Berwick Chase Primary in the southeast also made 11 reports of property damage, totalling $29k, while 10 incidents at Knox Primary resulted in a $14k bill.

Cairnlea Park Primary did not spend any money on repairing damage caused by vandalism and break-ins last year, according to the FOI documents.

Victoria Police has urged anyone with information on any of the incidents which took place at Cairnlea Park Primary earlier this month to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Skylights broken, air-vents damaged: Cairnlea Park Primary targeted in three-night crime spree