Griffith City Council and Murrumbidgee Police District (PD) officers are seeking information from residents regarding the senseless vandalism which took place at the construction site of the new Skate Park overnight on Tuesday.
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Council’s Principal Planner Peter Badenhorst said contractors arrived onsite yesterday morning to find vandals had inscribed initials throughout the newly laid concrete.
“One section of a concrete feature was damaged so significantly that it will need to be replaced, costing anywhere up to $5,000 – a direct impact on the ratepayers of Griffith,” Mr Badenhorst said.
“The Contractor has been working long hours to ensure the skate park is delivered on time and at a high quality for users and this act of vandalism has now not only come at a financial cost, but the delays will mean this long anticipated community facility will experience delays in opening.”
Murrumbidgee PD Inspector Nick Seddon said like the burnouts over the weekend, these acts of vandalism are hugely harmful to the community.
“Similar to the acts at the ovals and parks, people are being really selfish – taking equipment and taking facilities away for their own gratification, is horrifying and discouraging to see,” Inspector Seddon said.
He urges those responsible to hand themselves in, and if anyone has any information about who was responsible to let the police know or report to Crimestoppers.
Acts of vandalism are not new to Council, with several facilities including City Park, Ted Scobie Oval and Chandler Park suffering damage at the hands of vandals over the years.
Mayor John Dal Broi said the costs of these acts are detrimental to everyone, with tax payers footing the bill.
“Council suffers several incidents each month ranging from theft, to malicious damage and graffiti. The costs associated with these pointless acts are a continued burden on the community,” said Councillor Dal Broi.
“Council has a policy in place (GC-CP-314) which is there to encourage the public to play a role in safeguarding the assets of the community,” Cr Dal Broi said.
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“Under this policy, Council will pay a reward of up to $2,000 to members of the public for information resulting in the conviction against persons damaging Council property – information received will be treated confidentially.”
If any resident should see or hear anything that they believe is suspicious or has information relating to the identity of the culprits, they should report the incident to Griffith Police Station on 6969 4299 or to Council on 6962 8100.
