By Belinda Nolan
BRIMBANK Council spends more than half a million dollars each year repairing the damage done by destructive vandals.
The council spends an average of $590,000 of ratepayers’ money every year cleaning up senseless damage to public facilities, including buildings, playgrounds, street furniture and trees.
Council officers respond to almost 2000 incidents of vandalism on council property each year, with vandals already racking up around $330,000 in damage since July last year.
Graffiti, broken windows, damage to litter bins and fencing are some of the most common types of destruction reported.
The council’s community centres in West Sunshine, Sydenham and Delahey are frequently targeted, along with playgrounds across the municipality.
Brimbank Administrator Peter Lewinsky told Star it was money down the toilet.
“Clearly it is a significant expenditure for such mindless conduct by a very small proportion of the community,” Mr Lewinsky said.
“It’s a big chunk of our budget but it’s not simply about the money.”
Mr Lewinsky said he believed vandalism was giving Brimbank a bad name and in some cases, causing residents to feel threatened.
“It spoils the aesthetics of the place and in some cases people can’t use the facilities they are entitled to use.
“It’s mindless and it’s very threatening behaviour.
“It gives Brimbank a bad name at a time when we want to use every opportunity to reinforce what is good about it.”
Paul Younis, the council’s General Manager of Infrastructure and Environment said council had a range of measures in place to discourage vandals including lighting, security cameras and patrols.
Last year the council issued 566 fines for infringements of its local laws, which includes penalties for vandalism.
The council currently has an agreement with Corrections Victoria which allows offenders to take part in the clean-up efforts.
But catching vandals can be difficult.
Mr Lewinsky urged residents to report vandalism to the council or police.
“It is criminal behaviour and it’s very important to report it,” Mr Lewinsky said.
