Newsroom
Larnaca schools are facing an ongoing challenge with vandalism, following a series of incidents on Friday, December 13, that left schools in the city damaged. The Larnaca School Tax Office continues to assess the damage, with more reports of vandalism surfacing over the weekend. The Larnaca School Tax Office President, Yianna Nicolaou, says the solution lies in better security measures, including the installation of cameras at several schools.
Nicolaou described the events of last Friday night as “frightening” and “worrying,” noting that the individuals involved were young children, aged just 12 and 13. She emphasized that the youth of the vandals makes it more difficult to address the problem, which has been a recurring issue in Larnaca schools and beyond. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, Nicolaou believes the key is to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place.
Nicolaou described the events of last Friday night as “frightening” and “worrying,” noting that the individuals involved were young children, aged just 12 and 13.
While the full extent of the damage is still being recorded, Nicolaou shared that some schools, including Livadia and Prodromos Primary Schools, are waiting on invoices for repairs. Other schools in Larnaca have also reported damages, including vandalized walls and benches being moved or stacked in the courtyards. Some of the graffiti includes slogans, though the motivations behind these acts remain unclear.
To address this growing problem, the Larnaca School Tax Office is pushing for the installation of security cameras and increasing security presence. Several schools, including those most affected by the recent vandalism, already have security guards. For example, Prodromos Primary School saw a security guard placed there about a month ago due to concerns over damage to classrooms and the school's exterior. By early next year, at least five schools in the area, including the ones most affected by the recent incidents, will have cameras installed as a deterrent.
Nicolaou also highlighted a significant boost in funding for local schools, with the Ministry of Education allocating one million euros for improvements and maintenance at Vergina High School and other schools in Larnaca. Of this, 300,000 euros will be dedicated to Vergina Lyceum, with the bidding process for the work already underway. She expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Education and its technical services for their support, which she hopes will continue.
Despite the new funding and plans for better security, Nicolaou shared her frustration with the ongoing cycle of damage, where repairs made during the day are often undone by vandals in the evening. In some cases, windows are broken or fires are started, only to see the same issues arise again the next day.
While security guards are stationed to alert the police and fire services in case of vandalism, Nicolaou noted their limited role in preventing the incidents. She believes the installation of cameras will serve as a much-needed deterrent, ensuring that any damage is recorded and the responsible parties can be held accountable.
As Larnaca schools continue to grapple with vandalism, the School Tax Office is committed to taking the necessary steps to protect students, staff, and school property. The hope is that with increased security, both physical and technological, the city can put an end to the destructive behavior and create a safer environment for learning.
