Mississauga school beefed up security after receiving threat that weapon would be used

Beefed-up security measures were in place last Thursday and Friday at a west Mississauga middle school after it received an anonymous threat that involved the potential use of a weapon.

No incidents/threats came to fruition at Erin Centre Middle School on May 25 or 26 and Peel Regional Police continue to investigate in hopes of identifying the source of the threat.

A May 24 letter to parents from Erin Centre Middle School’s principal warned that an anonymous threat had been made against the school.

“Recently, the Peel District School Board became aware of an anonymous threat against our school that indicated the intended use of a weapon this Friday (May 26). The school board has safety plans in place and Peel Regional Police are currently investigating the matter,” the letter stated.

“Since becoming aware of the threat, the school board’s security staff, the school board’s school support staff and local police have been working collaboratively to investigate the validity of the threat and to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.”

The letter also stated that enhanced security measures, including a police presence nearby, monitoring of hallways and controlled entry to the school, were put in place at the Erin Centre Blvd./Tenth Line school on Thursday and Friday “out of an abundance of caution.”

Earlier this year, in an unrelated event, two teenagers were charged after online threats were made against Mississauga and Brampton high schools.

In a March 2 online post, someone claimed they were going to “shoot them up,” referencing seven secondary schools in Peel.