$300-a-pop; council checkmates thieves targeting chess boards
Kings and Queens are proving the most popular for Hobart thieves, with the council calling checkmate on missing outdoor game pieces setting them back in the hundreds.
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There will be fun but no games in Hobart’s green spaces, with the continual theft of chess pieces leaving the Hobart City Council no option but to lock the remaining pieces up.
Those might recognise the life-size chess boards in both Franklin Square and Salamanca Square as a place to play a game with friends or watch a competition brewing.
However, the continual theft of the chess playing pieces, which sit around 60cm tall and cost $300 each to replace, has forced the council to “limit the set up” of the outdoor sets.
With 32 pieces on a standard board, that is $9600 to replace a full set.
City of Hobart CEO Michael Stretton said it was an “unfortunate” decision.
“The City of Hobart has unfortunately had to limit the set up of outdoor chess pieces in Franklin and Salamanca Squares due to ongoing theft,” he said.
“Franklin Square, in particular, has seen repeated losses, especially of Kings and Queens, leading to the remaining pieces being locked up.
“Each chess piece costs $300 to replace, creating a significant financial burden on ratepayers.
“Additionally, the pieces are locked up each night and set out each morning by security, adding to the cost.”
Previously, chess pieces would be left out for the public to use, only locked up in cases of wild weather.
While Mr Stretton said replacement pieces have been ordered and will “arrive soon”, he urged Hobart residents to look after the new Kings and Queens.
“We urge the community to help care for these much-loved assets so they can continue to be enjoyed by all,” he said.
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