SIR – Further to Monday’s front page piece regarding security at schools targeted by thieves, I am not completely convinced that many crimes against schools could not be avoided, as funds are in many cases available to increase security and reduce the risk of crime.

I cannot help but find it rather peculiar that many schools throughout the Bradford district are sitting on very large reserves, some for years at a time, while complaining that they cannot afford to improve security.

Schools are collectively sat on reserves of more than £22 million, while the dedicated schools budget is under-spent by £11 million.

I suspect that this problem is more down to bad decision making and poor prioritisation, though it would seem obvious to me that not investing in security is potentially a false economy, while increasing security should be seen as an invest-to-save priority, where security is known to be inadequate.

I do not mind a shortage of funds being blamed for things when one actually exists, but this looks like non-existent shortages being blamed for human errors of judgement.

Councillor Roger L’Amie, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, c/o City Hall, Bradford