Moorabool council will ramp up security at a Bacchus Marsh depot that’s been broken into 15 times in two years, with thieves causing damage valued at $250,000.
The crime spree at the depot has prompted council officers to bring forward planned security upgrades, which will cost between $60,000 and $70,000.
The chain mesh entry gates will be replaced with a mechanical sliding steel security gate, steel beam guard fences will be installed, alarms and fob readers will be upgraded, extra security lighting and lasers will be installed, and closed-circuit TV footage will be monitored live.
In a report to last week’s council meeting, officers said they expected the upgrades to make it harder for criminals to access the site, while live monitoring would prompt a quick police response if break-ins were detected.
“The upgrades are intended to improve the overall security at the site, reduce the likelihood of further break-ins resulting in theft and/or damage, increase the likelihood of recovery of stolen items, and/or prosecution of offenders,” the report stated.
“In turn, it is expected that the out-of-pocket expenses to council and down-time for staff would reduce.” One break-in at the site, when a tractor was stolen, cost Moorabool council more than $100,000.
The replacement of the tractor (after insurance fees) cost $70,000, hiring replacement tools cost $30,000, damage to ute toolboxes cost $750, while damage to gates cost $500. Staff costs while police attended were $350, and the cost of staff time reviewing CCTV footage, insurance forms and police reports was $750.
Other major items stolen from the site include a slasher, water truck and chipper.
“Although some of this plant has been able to be recovered, damage to the property, costs associated with insurance and substantial down-time for staff have resulted in significant out of pocket expenses to council,” officers reported. “Even if nothing is stolen, it is estimated that each event would have a minimum cost of $5000 in staff time and repairs.”
