Summer Vandalism Prevention Tips

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Vandalism - air conditioning unit An empty campus can be a temptation for both mischievous kids and adults. The warm summer months allow for late outside activities and often the neighborhood children are finding themselves on school campuses looking for something to do. What can you do to protect your campus from vandalism? Here are a few suggestions:

Check to be sure your fire and intrusion alarms are working properly. Repair all elements that are malfunctioning.
Check lighting on campus. Replace all burned out bulbs. Install lighting in currently dark areas. Consider installing motion sensor lights.
Add or increase nightly patrols of campus, especially around the 4th of July when fireworks are plentiful.
Cut back weeds and other vegetation around the campus to reduce fire risk and hiding places.
Shut down the gas supply to science rooms when school is out of session.
Remove garbage cans when school is out of session. Garbage has been used as an ignition source for arson fires.
Check fences and gates for damage. Make repairs and keep gates locked.
Set your sprinklers on alternating schedules or install motion sensors to activate sprinklers.
Keep window coverings closed to hide room contents.
Store high value equipment (computers, TVs etc.) in secure rooms, preferably without windows.
Get to know your neighbors and ask them to help keep an eye on your campus.
Post WeTip posters around campus as a reminder to staff, students and visitors to report any information. WeTip magnets and wallet cards can be given to neighbors to assist in enlisting their help. WeTip materials are free of charge to member districts and can be ordered by contacting tfranco@sia-jpa.org. More information on WeTip is available on our website at www.sia-jpa.org under the Loss Prevention tab.
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