Security is to be ramped up after burglars inflicted thousands of dollars in damage at eight schools earlier this year.

Cole Simons, the Minister of Education, told Parliament that the Bermuda Government’s facilities team intended to prioritise maintenance “at all sites, with specific attention to the safety and health needs of schools”.

The break-ins caused “grave concern”, Mr Simons said, destroying property ranging from file cabinets, classroom doors, classroom windows and security cameras.

“Consequently, additional cameras for surveillance have been put in place at schools to support a broader scope of security monitoring,” the minister added, noting that the team planned to install perimeter fencing at “several central schools where the break-ins are prevalent”.

There were 11 incidents between mid-January and the middle of February, targeting CedarBridge Academy, Clearwater Middle School, Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, Elliot Primary School, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Prospect Primary, Victor Scott Primary School and West Pembroke Primary School.

Mr Simons told MPs that the Department of Education intended to establish greater collaboration with police during the 2017/18 fiscal year.

Other safety measures include repairs to school play equipment, maintenance of school water fountains and school tanks, and repairs to school fire alarms.