Over the past few weeks four state schools in Victoria and New South Wales have suffered significant damage as a result of suspicious fires.
While it is yet to be determined whether arson played a role in every instance, police are treating the fires as suspicious and have launched an investigation to uncover their respective causes.
Although arson chemists are often able to determine the cause of suspect fires, it is a far more difficult task to identify what motivates offenders to commit crimes like arson and vandalism.
Though it is perhaps premature to speculate that the recent Victorian and New South Wales fires will correlate to an overall increase in arson attacks against schools, it is important that schools and colleges be alert and look to minimise their potential exposure to arson and vandalism events.
Steps you can take to reduce your risk of arson and vandalism
Conduct regular property inspections - portables, buildings, grounds and general maintenance areas.
Remove flammable materials stored under or around buildings and portables.
Secure and lock wheelie bins and industrial waste bins away from buildings after hours and avoid overloading them.
Ensure that all windows and doors are locked before departing the premises after hours. Consider installing window security grills if resources permit.
Remove or lock away potential ignition sources from classrooms such as matches, candles and lighters.
Store valuable items out of sight in a secure area.
Consider installing sensor lighting in locations where the school is clearly visible to neighbouring residential properties.
Place an article in the school newsletter asking students and parents to be vigilant and report anyone loitering around the school.
Ask your neighbours to keep their eyes and ears open and report suspicious activity to police.
Remove or trim trees and shrubs that are within close proximity to buildings.
Install security and fire alarm systems if resources permit you to do so.
Ensure that ladders are locked in a secure storage area and that access to the roof via other means is limited.
Cage and securely lock gas cylinders.
Store chemicals in a locked fire-rated storage area. Reduce quantities wherever possible.
Ensure that maintenance sheds and cleaning stores are securely locked after hours.
Communicate after-hours security protocols to general staff and contractors such as cleaners.
Make certain fire services inspections are conducted in accordance with Australian Standards and that a fire impairment permit is issued in instances where fire systems are not fully functional.
Ensure keys are locked in a key safe at a secure location and signed out and in at the end of each day.
Make certain skylights are secure and access is restricted to roof spaces.
Finally, ensure your Business Continuity Plan is up-to-date and communicated to staff to give your school or college the best chance of making a swift recovery in the event of an arson or vandalism event.
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate arson and vandalism, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of your school becoming a target.
In instances where your school is targeted, it important to minimise the potential impact of arson and vandalism via the implementation of diligent and proactive risk management practices.
To access a copy of our business continuity, fire impairment and property protection fact sheets and checklists visit the Risk Management section of our website.
For assistance with other Risk Management enquiries, please our helpdesk or phone on 1300 660 827.
Disclaimer: This Fact Sheet is provided to Catholic Church Insurances clients for informational purposes only and should not be used or considered as a comprehensive coverage of the topic discussed. As this information is of a general nature you should consider obtaining professional advice to ensure that your own circumstances are properly considered.
Preventing Arson and Vandalism in Schools