‘Sometimes they jump into the pool fully clothed’: Frustration as Dalby pool again targeted by callous thieves

After being broken into six times in the past year, Dalby Aquatic Centre staff have given offenders a grim warning about the dangerous repercussions of their reckless behaviour. See the details here:

Frustrated Dalby Aquatic Centre staff have spoken out after yet another break-in at the pool, issuing a stern warning to those behind the spate of offending.

Pool manager Jeff Bouyer said the complex is frequently targeted by juveniles who force their way into the kiosk to steal “bags full” of food and drinks, and at times go for a swim.

“The main worry we have is their safety, sometimes they jump into the pool fully clothed and we’re worried if they’re injured or intoxicated that there will be a serious issue,” he said.

“Some of our staff are concerned that they might rock up to work in the morning and see something traumatising.”

Dalby police officer-in-charge Terry McCullough said CCTV last week captured footage of a juvenile breaking into the pool kiosk at 1am and stealing frozen pies, sausage rolls and ice-creams.

Mr Bouyer said offenders usually came in groups of two or three, but during the most recent occasion there was only one who damaged a fence and door to gain entry.

“Previously they would lever the windows open but two weeks ago we put bars over them,” he said.

Mr Bouyer said due to the facility being heritage listed, there were limitations on what they could do to secure the building, but they had installed cameras and put bars over windows.

Despite this, the pool has been targeted once a month this year alone.

“Over the period of those six break-ins, it adds up to a few hundred dollars worth of stolen stuff,” he said.

Mr Bouyer said while he was initially annoyed, he suspected offenders were experiencing their own troubles.

“I was frustrated it was happening, but now I feel bad they have to break in for food and drink,” he said.

The manager is now looking at installing a motion detector that will send an alarm once someone access certain parts of the property.

Senior Sergeant McCullough said no one has been charged over the break-ins.