Moorabool council has been forced to shell out more than $103,000 a year over the past four years to repair vandals’ damage.
Police figures released last week reveal property damage in Moorabool was up 12.6 per cent in the 12 months to March – from 333 offences to 375.
Moorabool council’s acting chief executive, Phil Jeffrey, said the most common forms of vandalism were broken windows and graffiti.
“The main hotspots for 2013-14 are corporate buildings, costing $25,500, and public toilets, costing $25,400,” Mr Jeffrey said.
Vandalism to recreation reserves created a damage bill of $18,500, park repairs cost $12,600, pools cost $9300, and playgrounds set ratepayers back $8400.
“Council generally uses a combination of internal resources and external contractors to repair assets where vandalism has occurred.
“Although security has increased in some areas, it is disappointing to see the continued destruction of public assets through vandalism that is an unnecessary cost to the community.”
In November, this paper reported that a vandalism spree in Darley and Maddingley 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, with an arson attack on toilets at Darley Park and a bandstand at Maddingley Park left badly damaged.
Moorabool’s Inspector Brendon McCrory said he hoped the rise was partly due to people reporting property damage.
“I’ll be satisfied if they’re comfortable enough to report it and that the community wants to put out a clear message that they won’t stand for it.”
In contrast, the property damage figures for Melton in the 12 months to March dropped 14 per cent from 1139 offences to 979.
“We’re still getting people, primarily youth, doing graffiti and damaging cars, so it is still an issue for us,” said Melton police’s Inspector Stephen Mutton.
“We’re warning people that if they’re caught, they could be ordered to pay high restitution costs in court.”
