Ongoing Vandalism At Historic Delco School Prompts Police Response

SPRINGFIELD, PA — After continued vandalism at a historic Delaware County school, police are ramping up trespassing enforcement and have put criminal on notice.

Springfield Township Police Chief Joe Daly said his department will be strictly enforcing trespassing laws at Old Central School on Saxer Avenue.

"Acts of vandalism have consisted of graffiti, breaking light fixtures, kicking out spindles from and damaging the railing," Daly said in a community announcement. "Recently the copper downspout had to be replaced due to vandalism and within hours of replacement the spouting was irreversibly damaged.

The increased vandalism creates the "potential for irreparable damage to this historic building."

Additionally, the school is a congregation point for teens, and some have repeatedly vandalized the historic building.

He said the building's fire escape was removed permanently after youths were using it to get on the roof.

"Despite arrests being made, the incidents especially recently are occurring at an accelerated rate and the potential for irreparable damage to this historic building is real," Daly said.

Daly said "No Trespassing" signs will be posted on the building's grounds "to ensure this venerated and historic building remains unblemished for future generations."

"Once installed, these signs without exception will be strictly enforced by the Police Department," he said. "The purpose of this call is to seek voluntary compliance from the community with the Township's efforts to preserve our heritage and avoid the need for criminal charges. Therefore, parents are urged to speak to their teenage children about respecting Old Central School."

Daly said the one-room schoolhouse opened in 1852 and operated as a school until 1921.

Now, it is used as a meeting place for community organizations.