Wantagh Schools Step Up Security Measures in Response to Vandalism

The Wantagh School District has set up additional security measures in response to recent acts of vandalism discovered in school playground areas.

Wantagh Interim Superintendent Dr. Richard Marsh said as result of teenagers often "hanging out" at elementary school playgrounds at night and on weekends, litter such as empty beer bottles and cans were left behind causing major cleanups. Dr. Marsh said the vandalism problem has been particularly prevalent at and .

In an effort to combat the vandalism acts, the district recently installed new yellow "no trespassing" signs at the entrance of all six Wantagh schools. Dr. Marsh said the district is also stepping up security on weekends and has been in close contact with the commanding officers at the Nassau County Police Department's and First Precincts. The vandalism situation has been improved at Wantagh schools since the extra security measures were put into place in late November, Dr. Marsh said.

"We're trying to be pro-active," Dr. Marsh said. "If you identify a problem you want to be able to solve it early on."

Dr. Marsh posted a message about the vandalism issue on the district's website encouraging residents to call the police at 911 if they witness any trespassing at schools during nights and weekends. He has also met with PTA leaders to get the word out and receive feedback about the new security measures.