CALLOUS crooks have stolen and vandalised more than $33,000 worth of play equipment across Brimbank City Council’s parks during a fortnight.
Brimbank CEO Bill Jaboor has lashed out at the heartless thieves who have deprived children of the chance to enjoy the municipality’s parks.
Last week, Mr Jaboor said large items such as basket swings, hammocks and furniture have been stolen and “damaged beyond repair” at parks across the municipality.
Play equipment has been pilfered from Isabella Williams Memorial Reserve in Deer Park, Calder Rise in Keilor, Lagoon Reserve in Keilor Village, Packard St in Keilor Downs, Duke St Reserve in Sunshine North and Lakes Reserve in Taylors Lakes.
At this stage, the vandals have cost the council more than $33,000 in damages, replacement and installation fees.
“These playgrounds have been provided for the community as a place of fun for families,” Mr Jaboor said.
“To rob children of their playground is disgusting and the perpetrators need to be caught.”
Three of the incidents were reported to the council by residents and the other three were noticed during Brimbank City Council inspections.
Mr Jaboor said the thieves were damaging community pride in Brimbank’s “excellent facilities” by taking away play equipment, possibly using trucks or cars.
“Some of these pieces of equipment are fairly substantial in size, so they are not being taken without some preparation and without being noticed,” Mr Jaboor said.
In addition to stealing equipment, the playground vandals also cut the chains attached to swings at the Packard Street site, which made the equipment unsafe to use.
“We will replace this equipment as a matter of urgency, but we ask the community to please report these instances to Crime Stoppers so steps can be taken as quickly as possible,” Mr Jaboor said.
Mr Jaboor said the council has reported the playground thefts to police and urged residents with information about the crimes to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
