AN IRON Age-style hut built by students has been vandalised at the Prince of Wales School in Dorchester.
The incident is believed to have happened over the weekend at the school premises on Maiden Castle Road in Dorchester.
Police were called to the scene early on Monday morning to inspect damage that had been done to the school’s historic ‘roundhouse’, which was built using traditional methods by pupils.
Dorset Police confirmed that the thatched roof of the house had been pulled off and there were signs of graffiti on the wooden doors and a poster nearby.
As a result they have decided to put on additional patrols in the surrounding area of the school.
In a statement put out on their Facebook page, Dorchester Police said: “We were saddened to attend The Prince of Wales School earlier today following a report of damage caused to the roundhouse over the weekend.
“The thatched roof has been pulled off and there were signs of graffiti on the wooden doors and on a nearby poster. Given the style of the writing it would appear to be the work of youths.
“These projects are created by the school for the benefit of the pupils and local community often using the spare time and goodwill of others to achieve this. It is a shame when a few thoughtless individuals decide to cause damage.
“More importantly, trespassing on school grounds and causing such damage are both criminal offences.
“We will be conducting extra patrols in the area and carrying out random checks and anybody caught will be dealt with robustly.”
Steve Marsh, Dorset Police neighbourhood inspector for Dorchester and Sherborne said: "Suspects have entered the Prince of Wales School grounds over the weekend and damaged roofing belonging to the ‘roundhouse’ and placed graffiti in various locations.
“This is the second such offence and we would urge anyone who sees people in school grounds over weekends and holiday periods to call us if they are acting suspiciously.”
The hut has been targeted in the past by vandals. It was burnt down back in 2007 and after it was rebuilt it was targeted again by arsonists on New Year's Eve, 2009.
When contacted, the school did not wish to comment on the issue.
Anyone with any information is being asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.
CONTACT ME:
t: 01305 830984
e: tanita.matthews@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @DorsetEchoTM
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here