School holidays represent a much-deserved break for students and staff alike. While most schools continue to host clubs and events, there are periods where classrooms are empty, playgrounds are silent, and the usual daily bustle gives way to quiet.

However, this period of inactivity can also make school premises vulnerable to crime, specifically burglary and vandalism. An empty building, housing valuable equipment, presents an attractive target for opportunistic thieves. Therefore, implementing robust and proactive security measures before locking up for the holidays is not just advisable, it's essential for protecting valuable assets and ensuring a smooth return to learning.

Here are some key areas schools should focus on to bolster their security during extended breaks, ensuring peace of mind and minimising risk.

Technology Tune-Up: Ensuring Eyes and Ears are Operational

Modern security often relies heavily on technology, primarily CCTV systems and intruder alarms. However, these systems are only effective if they are fully operational and optimised.

CCTV Systems: Before the holiday commences, a thorough maintenance check of the CCTV system is crucial. Are all cameras recording correctly? Is the recording system storing footage properly and for an adequate duration? Beyond basic functionality, review the positioning of cameras. While high-level cameras provide broad overviews, they often fail to capture crucial details like facial features, which are vital for police investigations. Consider adjusting existing cameras or installing additional ones at lower levels, particularly near entry points, to capture clearer, face-on images. Ensure camera lenses are clean and unobstructed.

Alarm Systems: An effective alarm system is a powerful deterrent. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring it functions correctly when needed most, preventing costly and disruptive false activations. False alarms not only waste police time but can also lead to complacency. Verify that the system is monitored correctly and that contact lists for keyholders are up-to-date. Test the sensors and the communication link to the monitoring station or designated responders.

Fortifying the Physical Barriers: Locks, Doors, Windows, and Fences

The most fundamental aspect of security involves physically preventing unauthorised access.

Windows and Doors: Before the site is vacated, a meticulous check of all windows and doors is non-negotiable. Appoint a specific, responsible member of staff to conduct a final walk-through, ensuring every single window latch is fastened and every door is securely locked. Pay special attention to less obvious access points, such as skylights or ground-floor windows obscured from general view.

Boundary Security: The perimeter fence is the school's first line of defence. Inspect the entire boundary fence line for any damage, weaknesses, or potential climbing aids. Check that all gates are secured with robust locks and that the locks themselves haven't been tampered with or rusted shut. Addressing weaknesses here can deter potential intruders before they even reach the main building.

Asset Protection Strategy: Secure Storage and Identification

Schools house a significant amount of high-value equipment, from computers and tablets to projectors and audio-visual systems. Protecting these assets requires specific attention.

Secure Storage: Identify all portable, high-value items. Wherever possible, consolidate these items into a designated, secure room – preferably one with minimal or no windows and a reinforced door with a high-quality lock. For larger items that cannot easily be moved (like interactive whiteboards), consider covering them so they are not visible through windows. The principle "out of sight, out of mind" can be a significant deterrent.

Inventory and Marking: Maintaining an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all valuable equipment is crucial. This list should include make, model, and serial numbers. Ensure this inventory is stored securely, perhaps off-site or digitally with backups. Furthermore, visibly and permanently mark all school property as belonging to the institution. Marked items are less attractive to thieves as they are harder to sell on and easier for police to identify and recover if stolen. Distribute responsibility among staff to maintain lists for equipment within their departments.

Environmental Design: The Role of Landscaping

The school grounds themselves can inadvertently aid intruders if not properly maintained.

Clear Sightlines: Overgrown bushes, hedges, or trees situated close to the building, particularly near windows and doors, can provide excellent cover for individuals attempting to gain entry undetected. Ensure landscaping is regularly trimmed and maintained to eliminate potential hiding spots. Good visibility around the building perimeter not only deters potential intruders but also makes it easier for patrols (police or private security) or neighbours to spot suspicious activity.

A Culture of Vigilance

Securing a school effectively during holiday periods requires more than just locking the gates on the last day. It demands a proactive, multi-layered approach encompassing technology checks, physical security reinforcement, careful asset management, and attention to the surrounding environment. By implementing these measures diligently, schools can significantly reduce their vulnerability to burglary and vandalism, safeguarding valuable resources and ensuring that the focus remains firmly on education when staff and students return.