Repeated thefts could mean cashless tips

A string of break-ins and thefts at Council-owned facilities could lead to heightened security measures, including the end of cash payments at the shire’s tips.

Council’s Waste Services Manager, Alan Gundrill said thieves had been targeting waste transfer stations since late last year, with more break-ins reported in Eden and Wolumla over the Easter weekend.

“It’s disappointing, costly and we are now considering preventative measures,” Mr Gundrill said.

“Advice from the Police Crime Investigations Unit has been to install closed circuit television cameras and to no longer offer cash as a payment method at all waste transfer stations.

“CCTV is an additional expense the community could do without and implementing cashless payments would be an inconvenience to many of our customers.

“Yet, if these break-ins and thefts persist, we will be forced to implement extra measures.

“Local Police would obviously like to hear from anyone with information relating to the break-ins at our waste facilities.

“You can do this in person by calling Bega Police Station, or anonymously through the Crimestoppers hotline or website.

“Each break-in is a significant expense to Council and the community. The rising cost of lost cash and equipment, repairs and replacement of broken infrastructure, and time spent in reporting and implementing corrective actions is borne by every local ratepayer and tip user.

“Our staff work hard to provide a highly-valued community service, and it is very disappointing that a few individuals should add cost and inconvenience to the work we deliver.”

If you have any information regarding theft or break-ins at any Council facility, please contact Bega Police Station on 6492 9999, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

The dates of recent break-ins at Council waste facilities, are:

Eden Waste Transfer Station

Between Wednesday 10 – Thursday 11 February 2021

Saturday 3 April 2021

Wallagoot Waste Transfer Station

Friday 5 March 2021

Candelo Waste Transfer Station

Between Sunday 20 – Thursday 24 December 2020

Between Sunday 24 – Thursday 28 January 2021

Bemboka Waste Transfer Station

Between Saturday 22 December 2020 – Saturday 2 January 2021

Between Saturday 16 – Thursday 21 January 2021

Between Thursday 25 – Saturday 27 February 2021

Central Waste Facility, Wolumla

Saturday 26 – Monday 28 September 2020

Wednesday 7 October 2020

Saturday 3 April 2021

A break-in and theft was also reported at the Bega swimming pool on Friday 12 March 2021.