Recently installed security cameras at NDSS are aimed at curbing costly incidents of vandalism. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

WATCHFUL EYE

Cameras seen as key deterrent against graffiti & vandalism in Nanaimo schools

Feb 10, 2022 | 5:13 PM

NANAIMO — School District 68 is looking to take a more proactive approach towards preventing graffiti and vandalism.

Installation of a new surveillance video system is the latest step to deter and, if necessary, catch vandals at Nanaimo District Secondary School.

Mark Walsh, SD68 secretary-treasurer, told NanaimoNewsNOW it follows on the heels of a similar system featuring 38 interior and exterior cameras being installed during seismic upgrades at Wellington Secondary years ago.

“It’s been reported to me that instances of vandalism at that site are down. We’ve been working with the RCMP who have highlighted a number of sites…where we’ve seen a lot of vandalism.”

Seven cameras covering the main school entrance and back courtyard were installed at the end of January. Walsh expects to see results of their effectiveness in the next year.

niche amenities

Trio of community park projects advancing in Nanaimo

5h ago

final farewell

Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan

6h ago

holiday vibes

Grizzlies spoil Clippers' teddy bear toss night

13h ago

Further systems are planned for the future at other school sites where high levels of vandalism occur, including Georgia Ave. and Fairview elementary schools, along with John Barsby Secondary.

Costs to repair and replace tagged or damaged items have reduced over recent years.

The district has spent $40,728 on vandalism-related repairs so far this school year and is on pace to spend close to its recent average from the last 10 years of around $78,000.

Incidents and the cost to repair them are significantly down from 2007 to 2010, where willful damage set the District back well over $130,000 some years.

The highest cost amount spent on vandalism since 2000 came in 2019 due to the Rutherford school occupation when over $175,000 was spent.

Walsh said there is no dedicated vandalism budget and money comes from an operations fund in the facilities department.

“Every penny that goes towards repairing vandalism comes directly from being able to proactively maintain our infrastructure, from being able to spruce up classrooms that may require it. If that $40,000 was $0, that’d be $40,000 that would be directly back into a classroom.”

A report from SD68 presented at their Wednesday, Feb. 9 business committee meeting showed fire the theft or damage of fire extinguishers was particularly prevalent this school year.

The report counted 15 extinguishers needing to be repaired or replaced as a result of a TikTok challenge in late 2021.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW