Eight local schools targeted by burglars in hunt for cash

By Mary Dennehy

EIGHT schools were targeted by burglars in the Tallaght and Rathfarnham areas in recent weeks, despite local primary schools keeping no cash on site.

As the dark evenings descend, burglaries are on the increase, with schools hoping to protect their premises from burglars by reiterating the fact that no cash is kept on site.

Orla Hanahoe, the Principal of Scoil Cnoc Mhuire in Killinarden, told The Echo: “We had a break-in a few weeks back and we were left with more damage to the school than items taken.

“There was nothing taken and the culprits couldn’t even get very far because all of the doors were locked.

“All that resulted from the break-in was a lot of damage to the building and disruption for the kids.

“Pupils see the school as theirs and they were pretty upset, and some were scared, when they came into school to see that the building had been broken into.

“Schools are safe, happy places for kids and this type of behaviour makes them feel very insecure.”

She added: “We just want to get the word out that there is no money kept on school premises . . . and as winter approaches we would ask the community to keep an eye out.

“Schools belong to the community and we all need to work together to make sure they are kept safe for our children.”

In recent weeks, eight break-ins have been reported by schools in the Tallaght and Rathfarnham areas, which fall under the same policing district.

Tallaght and Rathfarnham Superintendent Peter Duff told The Echo: “There is a perception that schools have money, but they don’t . . . all schools bank cash now.

“Most schools also have good security and CCTV and in a number of the eight break-ins, nothing was taken.

“Most schools are broken into for money, but there is no cash on site.”

Anybody who notices anything suspicious around a school property is encouraged to call Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000.