A vandalism spree involving everything from deliberately lit fires to smears of faeces has forced the closure of several public toilets, with Central Coast Council calling for witnesses from the community.
Council Director of Infrastructure Services Boris Bolgoff said community spaces and facilities were targeted by a senseless spree of vandalism over the weekend July 1-2, forcing the closure of some public and disabled toilets during the peak school holiday period and requiring expensive clean-up and repairs.
Bolgoff said seven public toilet amenities were vandalised, with three requiring temporary closure because of fire damage.
“Council staff have already assessed, cleaned-up and re-opened some of the facilities, however, some public toilets at The Entrance and Long Jetty were so badly damaged that sections of the facilities will be temporarily closed until the extensive repair work can be undertaken,” he said.
Vandalised public toilets which are temporarily closed due to fire damage are at Gladstan Ave, Long Jetty; Saltwater Creek, Long Jetty; and Picnic Point, The Entrance.
Other vandalised public toilet facilities, which have since been reopened, include: Wiles Ave, Wamberal Beach, where glass was broken and spread throughout the facility; BATO Yard skate park, Bateau Bay, which was littered with graffiti; Mackenzie Reserve, Budgewoi, where faeces were thrown; and Hot Water Outlet, San Remo, which was also subjected to graffiti.
“When Council’s facilities are targeted the community is disadvantaged, not only from the closure of the facility and reduced aesthetics of the area, but also from the diversion of Council funds from community projects to clean and repair the damage,” Bolgoff said.
“These mindless attacks cost ratepayers money, cost our staff time and disrupt the public and visitors during these school holidays from using our facilities.
“We are calling on the community to help apprehend these vandals and report any witnessed anti-social behaviour or vandalism to police.”
Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to contact Police, Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or reporting online.
Report any crimes in progress to Police by calling 000 (triple zero).
Community members can report to Council any damage to public toilets, sports facilities, community recreation spaces and facilities by calling customer service on 4306 7900, or via Council’s online customer service centre.
Administrator Rik Hart said vandalism and damage of this type cost Council a significant amount each year.
“The cost to Council to repair this latest damage is estimated to be $20,000,” he said.
“Vandalism is an issue of community concern that takes away much-needed financial support from other services that Council can deliver for the Central Coast community.
“We want to reduce the level of vandalism in our community so that money can be used as intended – to deliver projects and services that our community needs, wants and values.”
“Anyone with information of these incidents is encouraged to report it to the police”.
Source:
Central Coast Council