A vandalism spree in Darley and Maddingley has cost Moorabool ratepayers almost $22,000 in damage to parks and council buildings.
Vandals smashed 55 windows and damaged plumbing and vehicles at the Darley council offices on the weekend of November 23-24.
The destruction continued with an arson attack on toilets at Darley Park. Iron lacework panels of a bandstand at Maddingley Park were also badly damaged.
Maddingley Park committee of management spokeswoman Marg Scarff said the attack was senseless.
“They’ve smashed the lovely lacework that’s been there for 100 years,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s very difficult to repair because of the type of material it is.”
Mrs Scarff said the vandalism followed the recent theft of Maddingley Park’s most developed rose bush; just a deep hole remained.
“Seven years of labour has been destroyed,” she said. “It’s very expensive for council to keep doing repairs, and it’s expensive for the volunteer garden group who planted these roses.”
Mrs Scarff said she believed the park should be locked at night to prevent further attacks.
“Graffiti is increasing at a rate we can’t keep up with, and it’s escalated over the past year.
‘‘Last year we had vandals burn the children’s train in the adventure playground. The most serious damage is happening at night and therefore justifies locking it.’’
Darley resident Dannielle Cooper said vandalism was an ongoing problem in the area.
“There was rubbish dumped in parkland just the other week. It’s time to get something happening, or it’s just going to get worse.”
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said he was angry and disappointed.
“There are better things the shire could be spending money on than having to pay for the mess left by these vandals, and I call on the community to assist council and the police if they have any information.”
Inspector Brendon McCrory said police would step up patrols of affected areas.
» Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
