It’s unfortunate that we live in a time where arson and vandalism are far too common, especially involving Council property made available for public use. Sports facilities and amenities are common targets, especially when ‘out-of-season’ from winter sports.
Arson tends to occur on Saturday nights during August to October and January, generally after midnight. Many arson prone areas are poorly lit, located at edge of communities and slightly hidden from the general public’s view. Wheelie bins are popular targets which often go on to set alight nearby buildings. The average cost of repair is over $70,000 per claim.
Vandalism tends to occur on the weekends between September to January and before midnight. Council buildings that are deserted are common targets. Though claims are relatively small, averaging around $5,000, much inconvenience regularly results.
However, there are a number of ways in which councils can reduce the impact of these crimes and the cost of claims. These include:
work with local police to increase presence at the peak times;
lock away wheelie bins or make use of the lockable stands;
use temporary CCTV in and around hot spots; and
remove gas bottles from sporting kiosks in the “off season”.