Gayndah community ‘disgusted’ as vandals damage memorial to Jacob Moerland

Gayndah police are concerned vandalism is on the rise as offenders damage public and school property overnight, as well as a memorial to 21-year-old war hero.

Unknown offenders vandalised the memorial to 21-year-old war hero Jacob Moerland. Photo/QPS

The Gayndah community is ‘disgusted’ after heartless vandals damaged a memorial erected for 21-year-old Sapper Jacob Moerland, who died serving his country in Afghanistan.

Damage to the memorial at the Gayndah Skatepark was reported to police on Monday, which officer-in-charge Sergeant Don Auld said has sadly been the target of similar damage in the past.

Sergeant Auld said a representative of the RSL told police the memorial was erected at the skate park because of the soldiers love of skating and that it is “deeply offensive” to be so disrespectful to such an important local shrine of remembrance.

Unknown offenders vandalised the memorial to 21-year-old war hero Jacob Moerland. Photo/QPS

Taking to Facebook, Gayndah veteran Craig Fothergill said “the Veteran Community is disgusted at the needless vandalism done to the Memorial of a young Gayndah Sapper who gave his life for his country”.

“One can only hope that the CCTV was active and one can see who was responsible.”

On Sunday night, lights along the Gayndah Riverwalk were deliberately damaged by vandals, as well as to Gayndah State School sprinklers and a private citizen’s light nearby.

The damage to the school is believed to be caused by three teenagers, who were allegedly spotted committing the offence.

Sergeant Auld said vandalism is on the rise in Gayndah and both police and the community are “disgusted” with this behaviour.

Investigations are continuing into all four matters.

Anyone with information should phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers in 1800 333 000.