Botched theft damages parking infrastructure

Published on 31 October 2017

More than $30,000 worth of damage was caused to four City of Launceston parking machines overnight, in what appears to have been a botched attempt to steal money.

Vandals damaged Council-owned parking meter infrastructure at the Willis Street Car Park, while three other on-street meters were damaged in Frederick Street near St Vincent's Hospital, ripping one of the meters from its housing.

City of Launceston Parking Manager Andrew Frost said one of the machines — in Frederick Street — was damaged beyond repair and will need to be replaced with a new machine, while three others will need major repairs.

Mr Frost said it appeared that the machines were targeted by thieves, who tried to rip the machines from their housings using a vehicle.

"There's significant damage and it will be costly to repair and replace the machines, but ultimately these machines are emptied of coins every night, so this kind of act is pretty pointless," Mr Frost said.

"It's unfortunate because this type of wanton vandalism costs the Council significant amounts of money, and that ultimately comes at a cost to ratepayers.

"It's not an insignificant repair bill. We'll have to spend money repairing and replacing these machines that could have otherwise been spent on parks or other services and facilities in the municipality."

Mr Frost said a report had been made with Tasmania Police, who will be investigating the incidents.

Launceston General Manager Michael Stretton said it was disappointing that anyone would damage property to this extent, and that vandalism was a concern for Council.

"The City of Launceston, unfortunately, has to deal with differing degrees of vandalism all-too frequently," Mr Stretton said.

"As a community we all have a responsibility to report suspicious behaviour near public infrastructure, and to report acts of vandalism."

Anyone with information regarding Monday night's vandalism attack is asked to contact Launceston Police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.