VOCAL opponents of the Woolpack Road extension have hit back at suggestions they were somehow involved in the theft of $20,000 worth of traffic cameras.
The Avenue Preservation Group has rejected any suggestion its members were involved in the theft of 10 traffic cameras, which were being used to conduct a feasibility study into the long-debated Woolpack Road extension.
Spokesman Damien Strangio said it was unfortunate the group had to respond to ‘‘disgraceful allegations’’ over the theft.
‘‘The APG consists of a large group of honest citizens of Bacchus Marsh dedicated to the preservation of an intact war memorial,’’ he said.
Detective Senior Constable Lee Tabbitt of Moorabool’s crime investigation unit said last week: ‘‘We suspect it’s locals and people who aren’t all that keen on everything that is happening right now with the roadworks.’’
The cameras were removed from eight locations across the town, with thieves tampering with padlocks and cables to gain access.
‘‘The APG has made an official complaint to Moorabool Shire Council regarding these allegations,’’ Mr Strangio said.
The Weekly today contacted the council, which said it had not received any complaint from the group and would not be getting involved in police matters.
Detective Senior Constable Lee Tabbitt said last week the cameras were privately owned by company AECOM, contracted by VicRoads to conduct the study.
The Bacchus Marsh CIU have not responded to calls from the Weekly.
