Wave of School Break-ins Sparks Outrage and Concern Across Antigua

Another local school has fallen victim to thieves; this time, the Cedar Grove Primary School, where vandals struck over the weekend, breaking into multiple classrooms and stealing critical equipment.

According to reports, the culprits made off with security cameras, an air-conditioning unit, and other valuable items after forcing entry into the Grades 2, 4, and 5 classrooms. Teachers and staff arrived on Monday morning to find the rooms ransacked, with learning materials and supplies strewn across the floor.

The attack on Cedar Grove Primary is just the latest in a disturbing wave of school break-ins plaguing educational institutions across Antigua and Barbuda.

In recent months, several schools, including Jennings Secondary, Five Islands Primary, and T.N. Kirnon Primary and Baptiste Academy, have reported similar incidents where intruders stole computers, smart TVs, fans, and cash collected for school activities. Some campuses have even been targeted multiple times within the same term..

Education officials have condemned the trend, describing the thefts as a direct attack on children’s education. One senior ministry source said, “These schools are not banks. They’re community institutions meant to uplift our young people. Every time thieves break in, they’re robbing children of opportunities.”

Many schools have already been struggling with limited budgets and aging infrastructure. The loss of equipment, particularly learning technology and security systems has further set back progress.

The Ministry of Education is reportedly reviewing security protocols, while community members are urging a return to the days when “the village protected the school.”

Police investigations are underway into the Cedar Grove incident, but no arrests have been made so far. Authorities continue to appeal for public assistance in identifying those responsible, reminding citizens that protecting schools means protecting the nation’s future.