Two Albany juveniles arrested after alleged school holiday vandalism spree at Flinders Park Primary School

Dozens of windows were smashed at Flinders Park Primary School last week in a school holidays vandalism spree that caused thousands of dollars worth of damage. Police will allege two 12-year-old boys caused the damage in repeated daylight attacks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. Senior Sergeant Grant Pollard said the vandalism started between 4.15pm and 5.15pm on Monday, when the boys smashed windows by throwing rocks at the staff and art rooms. He said the pair also entered a building at the school, with one of them allegedly committing a stealing offence once inside. About 5pm on Tuesday, the boys allegedly returned to the school and smashed more of the art room’s windows. Their alleged offending peaked between 3pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday, when the boys allegedly smashed 21 windows, causing extensive damage to several rooms, Sen. Sgt Pollard said. With the help of the public and security-camera footage, police arrested the boys on Friday. They will face Albany Children’s Court charged with three counts of damage and one count of burglary each. One of them is also facing a charge of stealing. Sen. Sgt Pollard described the vandalism spree as “senseless” and “brazen”. “It is completely targeted and what is concerning is how brazen the crime is, attending the same school on three consecutive days,” he said. “They have a very blase approach to any consequences for their actions. “This is unwarranted, senseless damage to property that causes angst throughout the school, plus the extra burden of cost to the agencies and the community. “This had the potential to continue over the rest of the school holidays and incur more costs if they weren’t caught so we thank the community for their assistance.” John Marrapodi, head of security at the Department of Education, said the department appreciated the community’s effort to prevent or minimise vandalism. “It’s very disappointing when vandals damage our schools,” he said. “I encourage people who live near schools to be vigilant, particularly during school holidays, and call the police on 131 444 or School Watch Security on 1800 177 777 if they see or hear anything suspicious.”