WELLINGTON CTY. – The County OPP is reminding high school graduates and their parents to celebrate graduations safely this year – and without damaging any public or private property.
OPP Constable Mark Cloes reported that in some past years there have been some “grad pranks” that involved damage to school properties. In some of those instances, he said, parents may have been aware of what was going on.
“While the county OPP supports our youth and celebrates the achievements of this year’s graduating students, any grad ‘pranks’ that constitute a criminal offence will be investigated and any possible charges may be laid for those responsible,” Cloes said. “Damaging any public or private property is not a celebration; it’s a criminal offence.
County OPP School Resource Officer Constable Steve Smith added, “Vandalism is not a prank, it’s a crime even if it’s not intended that way. It could cost the schools a lot of money that it can’t afford, and it may tarnish the reputation of the school.”
The county OPP is encouraging the public to assist by keeping an eye on schools and parks, and to report suspicious activity immediately to the police.
