‘Wilful damage’: Teens destroy Sydney school

Security footage has revealed that at around 3am on Sunday morning, three intruders – believed to be teenagers – broke into Sydney Secondary College’s Balmain and Leichhardt campuses.The state school is split into three campuses across the inner west of Sydney, including in Balmain, Leichhardt and Blackwattle Bay.Over the course of two hours, the group proceeded to smash through almost the entire Balmain campus, including the administration block, all staffrooms, some classrooms, the library and the canteen. More than 30 computer monitors were destroyed along with teachers’ personal items such as photos.Doors and windows were broken, along with other forms of damage – but in a sickening move, the intruders also aggressively targeted the school’s extensive marine animal collection.Tragically, “hundreds” of fish, snails, yabbies and aquatic plants were killed, and the school’s two axolotls, affectionately known as Olive and Mango, were stolen before being callously dumped in a laneway, injured and barely alive.Thankfully, they were found by a concerned member of the public who posted the discovery on social media, leading to the animals being reunited with the marine studies teacher.In an emotional email to the school community seen by news.com.au, principal Ingrid Koodrin spoke of her “sadness and frustration” over the shocking crime, which resulted in “extensive and wilful damage in almost all parts of the school”.“Worst of all, these individuals entered the marine studies room where they smashed to pieces 32 of 35 tanks, killing hundreds of fish, snails, yabbies and aquatic plants that are cared for by our students,” the email continued.“They then stole our two axolotls, Olive and Mango, one of whom was seriously injured when their tank was smashed, later dumping them in a nearby laneway, where thankfully they were discovered, still just alive, by a passing community member who posted on social media, allowing their safe return to our marine studies teacher. “Many thanks to these community members who saved the life of these rare creatures that are beloved by Balmain students.”Ms Koodrin also revealed that the bike storage area had been broken into, and that it was not yet known if any students’ bikes had been taken. “The police are investigating this matter very thoroughly and I ask anyone with information to contact Glebe Police station,” the email continued.“As a matter of course, if you live close to the school and are concerned about any activity at any time on school grounds or nearby, please contact the police or school security on 1300 880 021.”The community member who found Olive and Mango immediately posted a photo of them on a community Facebook page, revealing they had been discovered in a plastic tank on the popular Bay Run near the school. A school employee recognised the axolotls and thanked the Facebook user for rescuing the animals and allowing them to be reunited with the school community.“You are amazing. So many students would have been devastated returning to school to find them missing. Thank you once again,” the employee posted.A NSW Police spokesman confirmed that police were “appealing for information about a break in at a school” in the early hours of April 16, and confirmed the Leichhardt campus had also been vandalised.“Windows, doors and classrooms were damaged, along with … fish tanks destroyed. It is not known if any property was stolen.“Officers attached to Leichhardt Police Area Command have commenced an investigation; as inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to call Leichhardt Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”Meanwhile, a NSW Department of Education spokeswoman also told news.com.au that Sydney Secondary College’s Balmain and Leichhardt campuses “were extensively damaged by vandals early last Sunday morning”. “Both campuses will be repaired and ready for the return to school on Wednesday, April 26,” the spokeswoman confirmed. “As this is now a police matter, it is inappropriate to comment further. The department is working closely with NSW Police in relation to the incidents.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au