Vandals have wreaked havoc on schools in the Toowoomba region, racking up a damage bill of $355,000 over the past three years.

The shocking vandalism and theft damage bill to state schools in the Darling Downs and South West Region was recently released in parliament.

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP said offenders caused more than $176,000 damage to schools in the 12 months to September.

“It is deeply disappointing to see how much damage mindless vandals have caused to our school communities,” Mr Janetzki said.

“Wilful destruction of school property is not only costly to repair, it is disruptive to learning, and also disheartening for students, staff and the community,” he said.

“Schools are amongst our most precious community assets, and we all have a role to play in keeping them safe.”

The total cost of claims for vandalism and theft for state schools in the Darling Downs and South West region was:

• $104,238.59 in 2020-2021
• $73,948.39 in 2021-2022
• $176,151.95 in 2022-2023
• $354,338.93 total from 2020-2023

Mr Janetzki urged community members to watch their local schools these holidays and report anything suspicious, even if it seemed minor.

“Unfortunately, empty schools become a target for break-ins, arson, graffiti, property damage, and theft during school holidays,” he said.

Reports suspicious behaviour to School Watch on 13 17 88.