There’s no escaping the facts. Schools are a target for vandalism.
Whether it’s a broken window, a graffitied toilet door or a desk covered in chewing gum, the costs mount up. And are rising.
In a report carried out back in 2015, it was revealed the cost of repairing vandalism in schools was in excess of £1 million – and that was just in Scotland! So it’s fair to assume that, as a nation, the overall expense is an eye-watering sum – money that could be far better spent elsewhere in the education system.
It’s clear something needs to be done about it – but what? And how can you protect your school?
Identify weak spots
Taking control of the situation starts by taking stock of where your biggest ‘problem’ areas are. For many schools, this is the toilets.
Traditionally tucked out of sight and out of mind, school bathrooms are invariably a vulnerable spot, taking the brunt of any anti-social behaviour. But whilst there’s no getting away from the necessity to provide school toilets, the good news is there are plenty of ways you can reduce the threat of vandalism and improve security.
How to prevent vandalism in school toilets
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Increase checks
It may seem obvious, but you’ll be surprised how infrequently toilets are checked in schools. Upping routine inspections will help you to keep a much closer eye on things throughout the school day – be sure to make breaks and lunchtime a priority.
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Fit anti-vandal locks
Do your toilet locks get damaged frequently? Teenagers can struggle to control their tempers and many a toilet door falls victim to adolescent rage, leading to broken locks, damaged doors and battered hinges.
The solution? Anti-vandal door locks. These specially designed locking systems release under excessive force – preventing the lock from breaking.
They’re also invaluable if urgent access is required in the event of an emergency.
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Change your sinks
Sounds too simple to be true, but it’s not!
Traditional sinks not only take up more space but they can easily be blocked with paper towels, causing floods and untold water damage to the floor and surroundings.
Updating to modern wash trough sinks – which don’t fill – eliminates this risk. Add in push operated or sensor taps and you dramatically increase your defences against misuse.
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Go open plan
Back in 2007, the government recognised that creating open-plan school bathrooms nurtured not only a pleasanter environment for students but a safer one too. Reducing the threat of antisocial behaviour, bullying and vandalism.
Opening up handwashing areas, and putting sinks, mirrors and hand dryers out in the open, significantly reduces the threat of improper behaviour.
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Add surveillance cameras
Many schools have security cameras at the key entrances and exits of the main building, but few have them near the toilets. However, positioning a camera to monitor the main entry to the bathroom can act as a powerful deterrent and really boost security levels.
Start protecting your school today
Here at ONVO, we offer modern, robust solutions for school bathrooms. Helping them not only to look great but to stand up to the rigour of everyday school life.
Take a look at the products we have available and to find out more about what we do and how we can help your school, get in touch today. Fill in our contact form, email sales@onvouk.com or call 0161 302 5340.
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