By Alesha Capone
Wyndham council has condemned vandalism at Presidents Park, in which electrical cables connected to each light pole were cut and stolen last week.
The theft prevented lights at the park from being switched on last Monday evening, for residents wanting to exercise during COVID-19 lockdown.
The council’s director of city operations Stephen Thorpe said the cables were cut and stolen on the weekend of June 5 to 6.
“It’s the first time that this has happened at Presidents Park, however it happened twice at an oval in Warringa Crescent earlier this year,” Mr Thorpe said.
He said the council has notified police of the incident.
Mr Thorpe said the lights have been repaired and are now operational.
“The cost of the repairs are yet to be fully determined, however council will seek to recoup costs via insurance,” he said.
“To help Wyndham residents get more active, more often, Wyndham city is keeping the lights turned on for community use at some of our sporting facilities this winter.
“This will allow more members of the community to use these facilities and be more active.”
Mr Thorpe said the council asked residents to report any unusual or illegal activity.
“Council strongly condemns any illegal activity, particularly at a time when our residents are relying more than ever on local parks as a result of the COVID restrictions,” he said.
For a full list of Wyndham ovals and times they are lit, go to www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/activeafterhours
To report illegal or suspicious activity, contact Victoria Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
To report an issue relating to council or a council facility, contact 1300 023 411 or go to: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
