Police warn on muck-up day pranks
Police are urging Year 12 school students planning ‘muck-up day pranks’ to consider the consequences of their actions.
NSW Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Bob May said that while pranks were often a feature of end-of-year festivities, students need to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.
“Pranks leading to community distress, damage or panic will not be tolerated. Such activities could also result in police action. Pranks can seem like nothing but a bit of fun but they can quickly spiral out of control and this is something students need to think about,” Mr May said.
He said some pranks had gone so far that a crime resulted.
“Unfortunately, police have no choice but to charge the individuals involved in such matters,” he said.
“This can not only damage the student’s personal reputation but their future career aspirations and this is a high price to pay for a few moments of fun.
“It can also impact on their final exam performance and can cause great distress to family members and all of those involved in the matter.”
Mr May said finishing school should be a happy time for students. He urged parents of school leavers to take the time to talk to their children about their plans for school muck-up day.
“It’s easy for kids to overlook the potential consequences of their actions. If parents take the time to talk to their kids about muck-up day activities and their expectations, it can make a difference,” he said.
“It’s fine for students to have fun and celebrate the end of their school days but we need them to take a common sense approach and to protect their interests and the interests of other community members.”
