Vandalism across Moorabool shire including graffiti, broken windows and tyres ripping up paths and landscaping is costing ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.
Most recently, motorbike riders caused damage when illegally accessing the Telford Park All Abilities Trail at Darley leaving deep marks in pathways, landscaping at Mill Park in Ballan was torn up with tyre marks, a window at the new Darley Park Community and Sports Centre was broken, and damage was done to the Aqualink pathway in Bacchus Marsh and cabling at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve.
A newly-laid footpath at Grantley Drive in Bacchus Marsh was marred by graffiti, which follows a newly-laid footpath along the Werribee River towards McGrath St receiving the same treatment.
Over the last year Star Weekly has reported on a fire at the rotunda in Maddingley Park that scorched its floor and repeated damage resulting in broken slats, seats and fret work.
Ballan resident Corey Hall has been living opposite Mill Park since 2019. He said early last week he saw that newly laid soil had been torn up and spread out across the car park and footpath, and it appeared as if the damage was caused by cars doing burnouts.
“It was disappointing, it looks bad,“ he said.
“It’s frustrating, with a project that’s been going on so slowly for years, they’re trying to beautify the area and as a resident that lives across the road I’ve been looking forward to having it completed… so it’s frustrating that it’s taking so long and then things get wrecked when they do get done.“
Moorabool mayor Rod Ward, said these public spaces were developed, improved and maintained for residents to enjoy.
“By damaging paths, public buildings such as toilets and other council assets you are really hurting the community, as ratepayers have to carry the cost of repairs,” he said.
“We urge anyone with information on any of these incidents to contact Crimestoppers or council.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said police investigates instances of criminal damage graffiti and vandalism that occur in the community.
“There is no place in the community for criminal damage to public or private property,” they said.
“We regularly liaise with the local council to respond to incidents and conduct proactive patrols of known hot-spots to deter this form of offending.
“Victoria Police encourages members of the community to report any instances of graffiti, vandalism or any form of criminal damage via the Police Assistance Line. Anyone who witnesses a crime or has information which may assist in an investigation can also contact Crime Stoppers.”
Details: 1800 333 000 (Crimestoppers) or 131 444 (Police Assistance Line)
