Thefts and vandalism cost Far North communities

Council is warning that theft and damage to community amenities is impacting council budgets and could see residents miss out on new facilities at playgrounds, sports fields, and reserves.

Two recent cases have highlighted the issue and will see ratepayers billed thousands to repair or replace council-owned, community assets.

Since being installed in October last year, fencing panels around a mobility swing at Nisbet Park playground in Moerewa have been repeatedly stolen. The Liberty Swing is designed for children and adults in wheelchairs and is one of only two wheelchair swings in the Far North.

Andy Finch, General Manager for Infrastructure and Asset management says replacing the panels costs ratepayers around $5000 each time and that the ongoing replacement cost is depleting funds available for other projects.

“The fencing panels are there to keep people safe but are being taken almost as quickly as they are installed. This is not a victimless crime. Thieves are stealing from their own communities, which is hugely disheartening.”

In another recent incident, the door of a stainless steel Wi-Fi smart bin was ripped off only days after it was installed at Ōpononi. The tech-savvy bins are being installed at tourism hotspots around the district and are funded through the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The solar-powered units compact rubbish, increasing the amount they can hold and preventing waste overflowing into the environment. They alert contractors when full, saving travel time and fuel costs.

Damage to the unit was caused by someone who had accidentally dropped a $40 phone top up card into the bin. Mr Finch says that instead of calling the council so that the card could be retrieved, the person smashed open the bin. Repairs cost over $1000. The person has been identified and the police informed.

The council is asking residents who witness the theft or damage of community assets to immediately report it to police.