by Orla O’Brien

BCFE SEEMS to have become a prime target for vandals.

During the second week of November, BCFE staff opened the doors of the main building to find the college had been vandalised. The actions happened the previous night and saw the wires holding up the college’s radio mast cut, causing the aerial to fall down.

Windows on the college roof had also been smashed. The vandalism against BCFE occurred again the following week. Again there were windows smashed. The frame from the window leading to the canteen area had been removed also.

There were two containers at the rear of the main building which had been broken into. These containers are locked with a strong padlock, indicating severe force had been applied. According to one member of staff the cut across the padlock was so clean that it could be almost guaranteed that a metal grinder was used.

Nothing seemed to have been stolen, although the contents were scattered outside. Two tins of paint had been splattered across the back walls of the college also.

These are not the only times the college has suffered at the hands of vandalism. The Ballyfermot Press was informed that the college was a target for of vandals two years ago, however the matter was dealt by gardai. No further details were forthcoming as to the manner in which the vandals were reprimanded.

It seems something needs to be done about the trouble occurring regularly around BCFE. Some people have called for more CCTV. Without it the gardai have no case to take to court.

It should be noted however, that the college does have an alarm system which prevents people roaming around freely after closing. If the alarm does go off, the gardai are alerted and arrive at the college quickly.

A source at BCFE said “Gardai have taken a report on the recent happenings at the college but the person is yet to be caught”.