Regina Coeli RC Primary School has once again become a target of criminals who stole the school’s lighting and cables.
The break-in at the school, on the corner of 5th Avenue and Klipfontein Road, Belgravia, occurred on Saturday April 10, just a few days after the previous break-in on Sunday April 4, when sporting equipment valued at R5 000 was stolen, said Western Cape Education Department spokesman, Unathi Booi.
“We would like to appeal to all communities to please assist us by reporting suspicious activity or the sale of goods obtained at schools to SAPS immediately,” he said.
Athlone police station’s spokeswoman, Sergeant Zita Norman, said that the school reported the value of the stolen lighting and wiring at R8 000. No arrests had yet been made, she said.
“The theft of lighting and wiring is not a common occurrence in the Athlone area. Because it gets darker earlier and everyone are in their homes earlier burglars took a chance like that,” she said.
Athlone neighbourhood watch member, Reyaat Petersen, said Regina Coeli RC Primary School was the only school in the area that burglars repeatedly targeted and suggested that the school increase its security to prevent further break-ins.
“For the last few months in Belgravia it has been quiet. Whenever we drive past the school or do our patrols, it’s very dark so they need proper security.
“This sort of crime is not common in the area. There has been quite a few armed robberies of school children and people going to work, with robbers targeting cellphones. We will set up a meeting with a school to see how we can assist,” he said.