10 Jan 2019

New Caledonia invests in anti-vandalism measures

5:00 pm on 10 January 2019

More money is to be invested in New Caledonia's capital to safeguard schools targeted by vandalism.

More than $US300,000 is to be spent within the next few weeks on fences in an attempt to shield public property.

Two years ago, the city of Noumea installed video cameras and alarms at its schools, but according to the public broadcaster more than 50 schools reported damage last year amounting to more than $US230,000.

The Noumea Town Hall

The Noumea Town Hall Photo: RNZ Pacific / Walter Zweifel

The report said the damage included broken windows and the removal of rubbish bins which were then set on fire.

Since last week, a further 20 incidents had been recorded.

In recent years, there were several cases of serious damage to schools in provincial New Caledonia.