Calls for more security after Broadbeach community groups fall victim to thieves
There are calls for better security in the city’s tourism hub after a string of callous vandalism at local community groups.
Crime and Court
Don't miss out on the headlines from Crime and Court. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THERE are calls for better security in the city’s tourism hub after a string of callous vandalism at Broadbeach community groups.
Five organisations surrounding Nikiforides Family Park in Broadbeach have been victims in the last month, including the Broadbeach United Soccer Club.
It copped around $2000 of damage on Wednesday night.
Thieves smashed their way through a glass door, ransacking rooms and smashing bottles.
SEVEN CHARGED OVER BROADBEACH ASSAULT
Devastated clubs members found empty alcohol cans strewn across the floor, and more drinks and the empty cash register were missing.
Meanwhile the Broadbeach Bowls Club had its shade sails ripped causing $1300 of damage and the Broadbeach Community Kindergarten, Art Society and Surf Life Saving Club have also been targeted recently.
United Soccer Club secretary Ren Shennan said it was “soul-destroying” to know that someone would knowingly target a community group.
COAST SHOPPING CENTRES HOT SPOTS FOR CRIME
“It’s a lot of money to us, we rely on the bar and cafe takings to keep the club going so this is a huge blow,” she said.
“We’re not feeling safe at all, if there are dangerous people in the area we look to council and police to stamp it out as soon as possible.”
OTHER NEWS:
Nuclear postcard ‘on the money’
Mystery whale drops in for a surf at Byron Bay
What caused Ruby developer’s collapse
Ms Shennan said with lots of young families in the area, there should be more CCTV around the park.
Division 10 councillor Paul Taylor told the Bulletin six security cameras operated in Nikiforides Family Park but more cameras and council security patrols were a possible option.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 12 WEEKS
“This has all generated in the last couple of months, they’re all in the same area … we don’t want it here,” he said.
Cr Taylor and Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek are among those expected to sit down with police next week to discuss the crime problem in the area.
Mr Langbroek said it was disappointing to see.
“My concern is for my local residents and community groups and I’m keen to work with anyone who wants to try to assist,” he said.
“There’s no easy solution to this problem but we’re not going to tolerate bad behaviour and illegal behaviour (in the area).
“You’ve got local residents who don’t deserve to feel unsafe or threatened because of noise or bad behaviour around the park.”
A police spokesman confirmed they were aware of the matter and are continuing to investigate.
Vicious public assault ‘could not be stopped’
A man who "couldn't be stopped" when he grabbed his partner by the hair and dragged her 100m through a Gold Coast shopping centre car park has now faced court over two dozen charges.
‘I’m not going to promise you anything’
A mother facing a string of drug offences was perhaps too honest with a magistrate yesterday after she initially couldn’t guarantee being on her best behaviour.