Plum School Officials Hope Cameras, Patrols Stop Vandalism

Plum school officials are expected to invest in a camera system and "No Trespassing" signs in an attempt to stop vandalism at schools.

At a recent school board facilities committee meeting, Superintendent Tim Glasspool said there have been problems at Adlai Stevenson Elementary, which is off Preque Isle Drive and in the same complex as .

Glasspool said people have been vandalizing the school building with graffitti and trespassing on the property—sometimes even climbing on the roof—after hours.

Administrators met with police officers, teachers and parents to discuss the problem and said it would be best to enhance security at many of the district schools.

A security camera system already will be in place at the new George Pivik Elementary School, and Glasspool said it would make sense to extend the system to , and elementary schools in an effort to stop the problems from "migrating." Lighting also will be installed.

Officials expect the project to cost about $30,000. Glasspool said district maintenance staff would work on the wiring for the lights and cameras.

Police will be alerted of the problems, and anyone located on school property after hours—the property is closed to the public during school hours, before dawn and after dusk—could be charged with defiant trespass, Glasspool said. 

Have you noticed a problem at your local school? Do you think cameras and lights will deter people from vandalizing the facilities? Tell us in the comments!

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