Community help urged to catch Redland Showground thieves

Redlands Coast residents have been urged to be vigilant following an incident in which thieves targeted copper wiring at Redland Showgrounds (Norm Price Park) late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

Mayor Karen Williams said the incident was a crime against every resident of Redlands Coast and had left ratepayers with a massive bill for repairs at the much-used community and sports precinct.

“The thieves caused major damage to the copper cabling servicing the sport field lighting, impacting all touch football fields at the showgrounds,” Cr Williams said.

“We are unsure at this stage just how much needs to be done and what this will cost but it would appear to be substantial as underground cables have been severed and possibly removed.

“It has meant Redland Touch Football activities have had to be cancelled but this goes beyond the impact on local sports people, who will be very disappointed. This affects every resident of the city, as it will no doubt leave Council with a significant cost to get the showgrounds fully operational again.

“If anyone saw something or has information which may be useful, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at Policelink online or 131 444.”

Cr Williams said Council understood forensic teams would begin investigating once the site had been cleared by Energex.

“There have been similar incidents in the Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich areas and we also had a similar incident at Charlie Buckler Memorial Sportsfield back in December which needed significant repairs,” Cr Williams said.

“Security arrangements at the showgrounds are being assessed for both the short and long-term and, in the meantime, we urge the community to keep an eye out and report suspicious activity at our sportfields.”