Police say they will not tolerate antisocial behaviour after community buildings across the north-east were struck by a flurry of vandal attacks and break-ins.
Schools in Peterhead and Fraserburgh have been hit in the last fortnight, along with Peterhead’s Lord Catto sports pavilion and the Crimond community centre.
Thousands of pounds of electrical equipment was stolen from St Andrews Primary School in Fraserburgh, while Peterhead Academy was defaced with graffiti and 10 windows were smashed at Anna Ritchie Special School.
In a separate incident, three teenagers were charged following a break-in at Westfield Special School in Fraserburgh.
Last night north-east police officer Sergeant Colin Houston urged parents to make sure they know where their children are at all times and reminded families that a wide range of activities were available for youngsters during the school holidays.
“This is mindless vandalism where kids are maybe at a loss,” he said.
“It can be frustrating at times because we are doing a lot of positive work with youngsters in the area through the council.”
Sergeant Houston added: “Antisocial behaviour and vandalism to schools will not be tolerated by us. It has an impact not only on schools but on the community with regards to the costs and repairs.”
Craig Clement from Aberdeenshire Council’s education team said: “It is incredibly disappointing that because of the acts of a few mindless individuals, our places of learning have been disturbed and in some instances pupils have been left with fewer resources.”
Both Mr Clement and Sergeant Houston urged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity.
Fraserburgh councillor Iain Tait described the vandalism as “shameful”.
He said: “There is absolutely no doubt that this is one of the most shameful things someone can do to a community. Education of children is of extreme importance – supreme importance even.”