By Alesha Capone
MORE than 160 crimes – including almost 50 assaults – have been committed at schools in the West across 12 months, according to Victoria Police statistics.
The alarming figures, obtained by a Star special investigation, revealed there were 161 alleged offenders caught in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham schools within the latest financial year.
While burglaries, thefts and handling stolen goods accounted for many of the crimes, a shocking 49 assaults were also recorded.
At schools in Brimbank, there were more than 68 crimes committed, including 21 assaults, three rape/sexual assault incidents and 44 counts of burglary, theft and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Wyndham recorded the second-highest rate of school crime, with 13 assaults and 29 burglary/theft charges.
Melton was next with 15 assaults and 13 burglary/theft incidents, followed by Hobsons Bay with 17 burglary-related offences.
In comparison, Maribyrnong schools recorded three drugs charges and three burglaries or thefts.
Wyndham Police Inspector Bill Weatherly said police were occasionally called to the area’s schools.
“We do get calls from time to time, (for) assaults, bullying, youths causing trouble,” he said.
“Carrying weapons is a big issue across the board. Young people just believe it is okay to carry these weapons. It is a culture that must change.”
Insp Weatherly said some of the area’s secondary schools had a program called PAVE (Prevent Assaults Via Education).
He said many burglaries occurred after hours at schools, not usually by pupils, with offenders committing “stupid acts of vandalism” and taking computers.
Brimbank Inspector Michael Grainger said assaults at schools “whilst a significant concern to those involved, is simply reflective of the greater societal issues relating to violence and general behaviours in our community”.
“If there is a specific problem relating to violence in any identified school, we attempt to engage with the school and encourage people to tell us if there are issues that we can help with,” he said.
“Brimbank police rarely get called to schools during school hours. Occasionally we will get a call for assistance after school or in response to burglary and other alarms activated on school premises.”
President of the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals, Frank Sal, said it was important schools were given the resources to deal with students who have learning and social difficulties.
“The actual bullying side is now much easier, due to social media. It’s mostly done outside schools, but the impacts are felt at schools,” he said.
