Five public schools have been broken into and vandalised this month, education minister Wayne Scott told the House of Assembly this morning.

They include the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, a special needs facility, on February 5 and 6; Elliott Primary on February 8; West Pembroke Primary on February 11; Prospect Primary on February 12 and; Victor Scott Primary on February 13.

In all cases, the schools were targeted between midnight and 6am.

Thousands of dollars in damage has been inflicted, Mr Scott told MPs, calling it “disheartening and demoralising”.

“The vandal who struck at Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy broke the security cameras attached to the building. It is disconcerting that anyone would be so insensitive as to put this vulnerable school population at risk.”

The minister extended thanks to the department’s facilities management team as well as police and GET security who are collaborating to review CCTV footage, and asked for the public to keep vigilant, especially in school neighbourhoods.