During the school holiday period, empty schools can experience higher levels of criminal activity, becoming targets for unlawful entry, arson, stealing, graffiti and property damage - all of which become a cost to the community.
The School Watch program is a partnership between the Department of Education and Protective Services Group, Queensland Police Service.
The program aims to reduce criminal activity in Queensland schools and encourages everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our schools.
Department of Education said that there were 91 reported instances of vandalism and 55 break and enters at schools during the 2019/20 Christmas holidays, but these numbers could have been much higher if not for the 181 calls made to the School Watch number to report suspicious activity during this period.
Mansfield State High School Principal Karen Tanks said that she is confident that the premises will be monitored diligently so that all facilities are ready to go for the return of all students at the beginning of each term.
"It is always encouraging to know that Protective Services works with us to maintain the integrity and security of our facilities," Mrs Tanks said.
This sentiment was echoed by Protective Services Group Client Liaison Officer, Jessica Hayward, who said that the School Watch program is critical in assisting Protective Services to prevent incidents.
Since the programs launch in 2014, School Watch has been a vital part in keeping Queensland school communities safe and free from harm, to ensure all students can come back to safe environments for the 2021 school year.
If you see anything suspicious, don't attempt to intervene. Instead, call the School Watch number of 13 17 88.
If you see a crime in progress, call Triple Zero (000).
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
