Cemetery Break-ins Continue

While extremely unfortunate, a series of break-ins at the Lithgow Cemetery have continued with Council now forced to implement change to the management of the facility.

Last week, it was discovered that once again, individuals had broken into the Lithgow Cemetery building with the purpose of causing deliberate damage and stealing valuable plant and machinery.

After the previous unauthorized entry into the building, staff improved the security of the facility through the installation of new bars over windows and new heavier locking mechanisms on access doors. This effort was not successful with thieves now entering through the tiled roof and exiting the building by force.

Last week, a blower, quick cut saw, socket sets, grinders and drills have been taken. While police have been notified, Council must take appropriate action to protect the facility and its contents from vandalism and theft. To this effect, staff will be removing all items of value that can be stolen from the facility and store them securely elsewhere. In the short term, this will result in reduced efficiency in running the facility.

The administration is seeking quotes for multiple CCTV cameras and a motion detecting security system. Lastly, a roof replacement will be considered in future operational plans.

It is extremely disheartening that Council must re-prioritise projects and funding to protect assets owned by the community from vandalism and theft. Every effort will be made to secure the facility and any information that is becomes available will be passed on to the appropriate authorities without delay.

Contact:    Jonathon Edgecombe Director Infrastructure Services Tel: 02 6354 9999 Fax: 02 6351 4259