More than $500,000 has been set aside to beef up school security.

Education Minister Milton Scott disclosed the sum as he urged the public to be vigilant in protecting schools from vandals.

His appeal followed two reports of thefts within the last few weeks at Purvis and Paget Primary Schools.

Mr. Scott, speaking at the reconvening of the Senate, said: "Mr. President, I am sure that you and Honourable Members will wish to join me in condemning vandals who have caused more damage in our schools in the last week.

"A small number of vandals have done thousands of dollars worth of damage in our schools around the Island. Serious acts of vandalism have resulted in major repair works at Prospect Primary, Dellwood Middle school, Southampton Glebe and West End Primary already this financial year while Paget and Purvis Primary schools have both been the target of break-ins and thefts in the last week.'' A break-in was reported at Purvis Primary School on St. Mary's Road in Warwick in the last weekend of October, and although one of the rooms had been entered, it was not clear if anything had been stolen.

And earlier in October a thief stole three video recorders and two televisions from Paget Primary in Ord Road, Warwick.

Mr. Scott said his Ministry was working with his colleagues at the Ministry of Works and Engineering to improve school security and a survey of security in schools completed last year formed the basis for on-going work.

He said: "A number of schools have already had fire and security systems fitted and work will start in others over the next few months. A budget of over $500,000 has been set aside to do this work.'' Milton Scott