Avalon Soccer Club vandalism: Attack on headquarters leads to security upgrades

Avalon Soccer Club is looking into urgent security upgrades for its Careel Bay clubhouse after it was vandalised with graffiti.

Avalon Soccer Club will explore upgrading its security after it was the target of another vandalism attack in recent days. Picture: supplied

Avalon Soccer Club is looking to increase its security after the clubhouse was vandalised.

It follows a spate of crimes on the northern beaches by youths, leading to calls by one councillor for a boost in police resources.

Avalon Soccer Club was shocked when to find its clubhouse covered in graffiti by an unknown group of vandals. Picture: supplied

On Sunday Careel Bay sportsground maintenance staff discovered the graffiti sprawled across the clubhouse building and the matter was reported to authorities.

“Big thanks to such community spirited locals for their artistic endeavours at our Careel Bay clubhouse two weeks out from our big season launch too,” Avalon Soccer Club wrote on Facebook.

“If anyone recognises the tags or has info on who may have done this please contact Crime Stoppers”.

Tags sprawled the Careel Bay clubhouse over the weekend. Picture: supplied

Club president John Kowtan told the Manly Daily they suspect it happened on Saturday evening.

“We’ve been graffitied over the years and we’ve been hit a couple of times really bad but this is the worst I’ve seen it. It’s on the side of the walls, the green timber seats and on the canteen door,” Mr Kowtan said.

“It’s really frustrating because footy season is about to start and it’s been a tough year because of COVID.

Avalon Soccer Club will hold a meeting to discuss investing in CCTV for the club’s protection. Picture: supplied

“We’re going to have a meeting and talk about investing in some CCTV. A lot of these young kids are bored and frustrated, COVID hasn't helped. It’s very annoying and costly for the council.”

Mr Kowtan said they have two clubhouses, one in Careel Bay and the other at Hitchcock Park.

“Our club has 94 teams and over 1200 players, we’re evolving. Hopefully in the next few years we can get a new set up to cater for all teams.”

Avalon Soccer Club’s president has said it’s the worst case of graffiti he’s seen, despite being targeted over a number of years. Picture: supplied

The clubhouse’s carpark is currently being used as a drive-through COVID testing site.

Councillor Vincent De Luca has been calling for more police resources and said in the meantime, the council needs to install CCTV.

“Two weeks ago I called for a full report on vandalism in the northern beaches to look into increasing security at council owned premises, particularly by way of CCTV,” Cr De Luca said.

Northern Beaches Councillor Vincent De Luca is calling for more CCTV to protect council properties. Picture: Adam Yip

“Vandalism is costing hundred of thousands of dollars in ratepayers money every year. We need to get on top of it and start getting active.

“Mobile CCTV Solutions donated CCTV at the temporary Rat Park COVID clinic after it was vandalised. Ever since they installed their temporary cameras the vandalism and stopped.”

Graffiti covering the Careel Bay clubhouse before footy season kicks off. Picture: supplied

He said he has called for a meeting between CCTV company and the council’s chief executive.

“I think we need to get in with technology to detect vandalism and anti-social behaviour so as it happens, it can be reported to rangers immediately.”

Chief executive officer Ray Brownlee said the council does not tolerate anti-social behaviour.

Northern Beaches Council CEO Ray Brownlee at his Dee Why office. Picture: Adam Yip

“Vandalism of community property is unacceptable and it’s something we take very seriously,” Mr Brownlee said.

“We encourage the community to report instances of vandalism to Council on 1300 434 434 or to call Police Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”