ACT Police have announced a targeted crackdown on vandals who have been causing significant damage to sportsgrounds across Canberra. The initiative comes in response to a series of incidents where facilities have been deliberately damaged, affecting local sports clubs and the community.
Increased Patrols and Surveillance
Police will increase patrols around sportsgrounds, particularly during evenings and weekends, when most vandalism occurs. They will also deploy surveillance cameras in known hotspots to deter offenders and gather evidence.
According to Acting Inspector Mark Richardson, the damage has been extensive, with reports of broken lights, damaged goalposts, and graffiti defacing clubrooms. "This is not just vandalism; it's an attack on our community. These facilities are used by families and young athletes, and the cost of repairs is a burden on taxpayers and clubs," he said.
Community Impact
Local sports clubs have expressed frustration over the repeated vandalism. The Weston Creek Cricket Club reported that their grounds were damaged twice in one month, forcing them to cancel training sessions. "It's disheartening to see our hard work destroyed. We rely on these grounds for our kids to play sport, and this behavior is unacceptable," said club president Sarah Thompson.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to reduce property crime in the ACT. Police are urging the public to report any suspicious activity around sportsgrounds immediately. They also encourage clubs to improve security measures, such as installing better lighting and locks.
Anyone with information about vandalism is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The ACT government has also pledged additional funding for security upgrades at high-risk sportsgrounds to prevent future incidents.
