With crime in schools a worry for parents, pupils and staff, the recent incident at a school in Devizes, is an unfortunate reminder of the threats faced.
Summary
- A school in Devizes was evacuated after a threat was made over the phone on the 16th of September.
- Police confirmed the call was a hoax, but carried out a full search as a precaution.
- Security experts warn schools should review lockdown and communication systems.
Why did Devizes School get evacuated?
Police were called to Devizes School on the morning of 16 September after a threat was made by phone. As a precaution, pupils and staff were evacuated while officers searched the site.
A suspect was quickly identified and dealt with, with Wiltshire Police confirming there was no credible risk to life.
Superintendent Paul Saunders said:
“When calls of this nature are made, police rightly treat them as a legitimate concern until it can be determined that there is no credible threat or risk to life. Hoax calls can have a significant impact on emergency services, businesses, and the public.”
For the full police statement, read the information in the report on Wiltshire Police’s website.
He added that such actions cause disruption, fear, and wasted resources, warning that offenders could face fines or even imprisonment.
Wiltshire Police also confirmed a separate threat was made to Nova Hreod School in Swindon the same day. The two incidents are not believed to be connected.
Impact of hoax threats on schools
While this incident at Devizes School proved to be a hoax, the disruption was significant. Evacuations disrupt learning, unsettle children, and place strain on staff and emergency services. In many cases, the aftermath leaves schools considering whether their safety measures and response protocols are strong enough.
Parents also face considerable worry when such incidents occur, heightening the importance of clear communication and robust safety systems.
Industry response: schools must prepare for all scenarios
“Even hoax threats create genuine fear and disruption. Schools can’t afford to dismiss them, and that means security systems must be ready to respond quickly. Lockdown systems, reliable communication tools, and CCTV are essential for keeping pupils safe and reassuring parents.”
— Steve Blackwell, Managing Director, Safeguard Systems
With this in mind, schools across the county, in areas like Devizes should take stock and reassess their surveillance systems. For security conscious schools, our professional CCTV installation services in Wiltshire improve site visibility and ensure faster responses during threats or emergencies.
What are the best security systems for schools
Even though the threat at Devizes School turned out to be a hoax, it must be of concern to all key stakeholders.
To help those in charge of security choose the best security systems for their schools, here is a short overview of your options.
Lockdown systems
- Allow classrooms to be secured instantly during threats
- Can be activated centrally or via panic buttons
- Reduce risk while police assess the situation
CCTV monitoring
- Provides real-time visibility of school grounds
- Helps verify threats quickly and support police investigations
- Acts as a deterrent to intruders or disruptive behaviour
Access control for school sites
- Limits entry to authorised staff and visitors
- Zoned access for sensitive areas like labs and IT suites
- Improves accountability during incidents
To see how these measures are implemented in practice, explore our guide to access control for schools, covering door entry systems, visitor management, and zoned access solutions.
Emergency communication systems
- Enables instant messaging to staff, pupils, and parents
- Reduces confusion during evacuations or lockdowns
- Helps coordinate responses with emergency services
To explore all available options, visit our page on school security, covering CCTV, access control, and lockdown systems for schools and educational facilities.
Wrapping up: Devizes School evacuation
The evacuation at Devizes School highlights how even hoax threats can have lasting impact. For school leaders, ensuring that lockdown protocols, communication systems, and surveillance are in place is essential for both real and false emergencies.
For more recent updates and incidents affecting local schools, visit our Wiltshire school crime report for insights on regional trends and theft prevention strategies.
