ABOVE: The new playpark at Woodenbong which hasn’t opened yet was vandalised. Photos: Contributed
Susanna Freymark
The Woodenbong Pool and the new playground next to the pool were damaged by vandals on the weekend.
Kyogle Council general manger Graham Kennett said the vandals broke into the pool canteen, smashed a window and ransacked the canteen, tossing stock around and spray painting graffiti on pool buildings and the playground.
“Council is working closely with the local police and will be cleaning up and repairing the damage as the police complete their investigations,” Mr Kennett said.
Woodenbong Progress Association president Christine Reid said Woodenbong Police Station didn’t have any police stationed there.
“There’s been no police at the station since May,” she said.
The police station has two residences attached to it so housing local police is not the issue.
IndyNR.com contacted NSW Police for a statement about the lack of police in Woodenbong. Here’s what they said.
Ms Reid said lollies and chips were stolen from the pool canteen.
Mr Kennett said the Woodenbong vandalism was not an isolated incident.
“This latest incident follows a series of incidents in Kyogle and other villages, and in particular the Kyogle pool and surrounding precinct,” Mr Kennett said.
“This increase in vandalism and destructive behaviour is of particular concern to council, and alarmingly the majority of those involved are children.”
Council is working with police to identify those involved, he said.
“These acts of vandalism and destruction of public property not only cost the community and ratepayers money, but they distract council staff and resources away from the other more important tasks that they should be doing,” Mr Kennett said.
“This is something that affects us all, and we need to ask that people across the community call out this kind of behaviour when they see it.
“We need information to be provided to help the police and the council identify those involved, so the police can intervene and get these individuals on a more positive pathway as early as possible.”
Anyone can make a report to the Graffiti Hotline on 1800 707 125 – 7am–7pm Monday–Friday.
Other crimes can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Mr Kennett said the Woodenbong vandalism was not an isolated incident.
“This latest incident follows a series of incidents in Kyogle and other villages, and in particular the Kyogle pool and surrounding precinct,” Mr Kennett said.
“This increase in vandalism and destructive behaviour is of particular concern to council, and alarmingly the majority of those involved are children.”
The council is working closely with police to identify those involved, he said.
“These acts of vandalism and destruction of public property not only cost the community and ratepayers money, but they distract Council staff and resources away from the other more important tasks that they should be doing,” Mr Kennett said.
“This is something that affects us all, and we need to ask that people across the community call out this kind of behaviour when they see it.
“We need information to be provided to help the police and the council identify those involved, so the police can intervene and get these individuals on a more positive pathway as early as possible.”
Anyone can make a report to the Graffiti Hotline on 1800 707 125 between 7am and 7pm Monday–Friday.
Other crimes can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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