A string of break-ins and thefts at council-owned facilities could lead to heightened security measures, including the end of cash payments at the shire's tips.
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Bega Valley Shire Council's waste services manager, Alan Gundrill said thieves had been targeting waste transfer stations since late last year, with more break-ins reported in Eden and Wolumla over the Easter weekend.
"It's disappointing, costly and we are now considering preventative measures," Mr Gundrill said.
"Advice from the Police Crime Investigations Unit has been to install closed circuit television cameras and to no longer offer cash as a payment method at all waste transfer stations.
"CCTV is an additional expense the community could do without and implementing cashless payments would be an inconvenience to many of our customers.
"Yet, if these break-ins and thefts persist, we will be forced to implement extra measures.
"Local police would obviously like to hear from anyone with information relating to the break-ins at our waste facilities.
"Each break-in is a significant expense to council and the community. The rising cost of lost cash and equipment, repairs and replacement of broken infrastructure, and time spent in reporting and implementing corrective actions is borne by every local ratepayer and tip user.
"Our staff work hard to provide a highly-valued community service, and it is very disappointing that a few individuals should add cost and inconvenience to the work we deliver."
Costly string of break-ins
Dates of recent break-ins at council waste facilities, are:
Eden Waste Transfer Station
Between Wednesday 10 - Thursday 11 February
Saturday 3 April 2021
Wallagoot Waste Transfer Station
Friday 5 March 2021
Candelo Waste Transfer Station
Between Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 December 2020
Between Sunday 24 - Thursday 28 January 2021
Bemboka Waste Transfer Station
Between Saturday 22 December 2020 - Saturday 2 January 2021
Between Saturday 16 - Thursday 21 January 2021
Between Thursday 25 - Saturday 27 February 2021
Central Waste Facility, Wolumla
Saturday 26 - Monday 28 September 2020
Wednesday 7 October 2020
Saturday 3 April 2021
A break-in and theft was also reported at the Bega swimming pool on Friday 12 March 2021.
If you have any information regarding theft or break-ins at any council facility, contact Bega Police Station on 6492 9999, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
Ellouise Bailey
Queensland Country Life reporter based in Rockhampton and reporting on agriculture in the central Queensland region. Got a story? Get in touch: 0447 477 399 or email ellouise.bailey@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Queensland Country Life reporter based in Rockhampton and reporting on agriculture in the central Queensland region. Got a story? Get in touch: 0447 477 399 or email ellouise.bailey@austcommunitymedia.com.au
