Thieves Target Council Chambers, Pool and School As Mayor Calls For Tougher Consequences

Three vehicles were stolen from Council offices on Wickham Street, Ayr on the night of Friday, December 15 after thieves smashed a window to gain entry to the Vector building and took the keys.

One vehicle was found partially burnt out and another fully burnt out on Saturday morning, whilst another was recovered on Monday, December 18 from Bowen also burnt out.  

Council is working closely with the Police to identify and prosecute the culprits, who were caught on CCTV cameras breaking into the Vector building.

Forensic officers and CIB officers have visited the Council offices to collect footage and evidence which will hopefully lead to the perpetrators being identified and charged.

In addition, the Ayr Swimming Pool Kiosk was also broken into on Sunday night, December 17.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughin said that these crimes are a senseless act of destruction that severely affect Council's ability to provide essential services to the community.

“As Mayor, I am shocked and disappointed by what has occurred,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“Those responsible have shown a total disregard for the law and destroyed public property with absolutely no concern about the impact on the community.

“This is a serious breach of privacy and trust for me and the entire community that supports Council.

“These crimes are not excused by age and must be prosecuted and penalised appropriately.

“Everyone I have spoken to about this incident or other crimes believe they should be punished appropriately, regardless of age, as a deterrent for future offences.

“There is little hope of ever recovering the cost of the damages and once again the Burdekin residents just pick up the bill along with Council’s insurers.

Ms McLaughlin said the Home Hill Primary School also suffered extensive damage over the weekend.

“It is time that these criminals face severe punishments for their actions,” she added.

“Is it the responsibility of the Council to secure all the buildings with fences and steel bars on the windows?

“Who will pay for this, the criminals, their relatives... No, the rate payer.

“They know what they are doing is wrong.  

“Historically the values of respect, love, care and lawful behaviour have been taught in the family.

“This incident and others show that the current system is not working in acting as a deterrent against committing offences of this nature and the impacts it has on everyone.

“Until there are greater consequences for the crimes being committed then nothing will change and the cycle will continue, with respect for the people’s safety and property being continually eroded.

“Perhaps we need to look at how other communities around the world deal with this criminal behaviour and restore some respect for our society’s values and the laws that are designed to protect us all, as clearly the current approach is not working.”

‍

A Burdekin Shire Council vehicle was set alight after three vehicles were stolen from the Wickham Street offices last week. Photos supplied: Burdekin Shire Council