Police called in on sports ground vandals

Gosford Council is working with police to apprehend vandals damaging sports grounds, according to Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein.

A spate of vandalism attacks on sporting grounds across the Peninsula in the last few weeks is set to cost Gosford Council almost $5000 in repairs.

The amenities block at Rogers Park in Woy Woy had cost up to $1900 to repair damage to the building's gutters and vent pipes on October 11.

A vehicle also gained access to the playing surface causing extensive damage to the grass.

Prior to this attack, a stolen vehicle was driven onto James Browne Oval in Woy Woy on October 5, causing $1500 worth of damage.

The vehicle was then dumped on the oval and burnt out.

Umina Oval's irrigation system was attacked by vandals on October 2 by removing and damaging the heads of the sprinklers at a cost of $1200 to council.

Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein has said the culprits would be caught.

"Council is working with local police to investigate these disgraceful acts of vandalism and we are urging community members to come forward with any information they may have to assist us in these investigations," Cr Holstein said.

Cr Holstein said council had a policy to offer a reward to anyone who provides information regarding damage to public property that may assist investigations and lead to a conviction.

"Council is willing to offer up to $5000 for anyone who comes forward with information that helps us find out who is responsible and put a stop to these malicious and cowardly acts of vandalism," Cr Holstein said.

'The incidences have peaked during the school holidays.

"I'm not saying that it is necessarily young people who are responsible.

"I don't care whether you are 15 or 50 - following the investment of so much time, effort and dollars, it is very disappointing to think that there is anyone within our community that would deliberately attempt to destroy these facilities."

Council's director of community services and organisational development Mr Terry Thirlwell said that, since July 2002, convictions have been secured for four vandalism incidents, three of which were on the Peninsula.

Mr Thirlwell said that the rewards are paid from Council's "insurance reserve".

He said that, to claim a reward, people should contact the police first and then the council's risk management section.

He said he would authorise a reward where a conviction had been recorded and he was satisfied that the person had provided sufficient evidence to warrant the reward.

Council is urging anyone with information regarding the vandalism to contact Brisbane Water Police Station on 4323 5599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Press release, 13 Oct 2009 Cr Chris Holstein, Gosford mayor