General News
15 February, 2024
Vandalism, theft and a helpful P-plater
MORTLAKE Police are investigating a number of incidents which occurred over the past week.
Between Friday and Monday, the shelter at the Mortlake skate park was severely damaged.
Mortlake Police sergeant Matthew Laxton said it appeared the offender/s had used an implement, possibly a hammer, to smash several sections of the shelter’s walls.
“Significant force had to be used over a significant period to inflict that level of damage,” he said.
“This will be a significant cost to the community of at least $6000, which is disappointing to say the least.
As Western District Newspapers reported in 2020, the shelter area at the skate park featured a mural which was painted by local artist James Cody-Davis in a bid to bring colour and vibrancy to the area for all to enjoy.
It is understood Mr Cody-Davis has already offered to repaint the damaged sections when repairs have been carried out.
A council spokesperson condemned the vandalism.
“It’s disappointing that these types of senseless incidents happen and will mean additional costs to repair and replace damaged items,” the spokesperson said.
“We thank the member of the public who reported this incident to us via our customer request system.
“Getting in touch with council directly is the quickest way to let us know about something and to have an issue resolved.”
Further damage occurred at Tea Tree Lake when several fires were lit at around 4.20pm on Saturday evening.
A rubbish bin adjacent to the lake was set ablaze, while a sanitary bin at the toilet block was also burned.
“A public wheelie bin was burned to the ground and at around this time a fire was also set to a bin in the public toilets at Tea Tree Lake, but damage was luckily minimal,” Sgt Laxton said.
“CFA and local police attended, and police have spoken to some persons of interest and inquiries are ongoing.
“This sort of behaviour is highly reckless and is reflective of poor and ill-considered thrill seeking by the persons who set the fires.”
In addition, a quantity of diesel was stolen from a truck parked in Dunlop Street overnight on Friday, February 9, near the intersection of Bourke Street.
Police are also pursuing inquiries regarding damage cause to a vehicle at about 3.10am on Thursday, December 8.
A car parked in the Scott Street area had the front windscreen and passenger side window smashed, and the two rear tyres slashed.
“Police are following a number of leads concerning this damage,” Sgt Laxton said.
Anyone who can assist police with the aforementioned matters was urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or Mortlake police station on 5599 2501.
A message can also be left for police via email at MORTLAKE.UNI@police.vic.gov.au.
In more positive news, Sgt Laxton offered his appreciation to a young P-plater who alerted police to a black cow on the loose and helped herd it to safety.
“The creature was right on the roadside, and the P-plater then helped police herd the beast back safely into a paddock,” he said.
“Well done to this young person for identifying a road safety hazard and not ignoring the problem, particularly as the sun was setting.
“The animal would have been very difficult to see a short time later which would have posed a significant hazard to motorists.
“Cattle on the loose can easily cause serious injury if not death, and at the lowest level, easily write off a motor car.”