Christmas cows vandalised at Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake
Shepparton’s Christmas Cows have been targeted yet again – and police are on the hunt for the Grinch responsible.
Goulburn Valley
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The most wonderful time of the year has taken a hit, with Shepparton’s Christmas Cows being targeted by vandals twice at Victoria Park Lake less than a week after being set up.
After all three cows were vandalised over the weekend, the yellow Christmas Cow has been removed for repairs following another attack.
Now, only two cows remain with Santa’s sleigh at the lake and Council is seeking an alternate location to put them.
Shepparton Police crime prevention officer Glenn Gibson said the perpetrators could face court for criminal damage.
He said authorities were combing through CCTV footage from the Safe City Camera Network and several private CCTV cameras to identify the Grinch.
“There cameras are in this precinct due to construction projects and are being closely reviewed to assist the investigation,” he said.
“When repairs are complete placement will also be reviewed with regard to CCTV coverage.”
But Leading Senior Constable Gibson encouraged anyone in the community who may have heard someone “bragging” about the offence to come forward.
“There is a small number of people in our community that take pleasure from damaging assets that are enjoyed by everyone,” he said.
“It is important that we work together and share information that will identify, control and lead to consequences for this behaviour.”
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said it was an “unsettling loss” where ratepayers would have to foot the bill.
“Our Moooving Art Cows are an iconic feature for the region and more so the Christmas Cows who only feature during the festive season, bringing lots of joy to families and friends who visit the lake precinct,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“Our community takes great pride in keeping our region looking spectacular, it is incredibly disappointing seeing these acts during this festive time.
“It is a shame our Christmas Cows become heavily targeted and the repairs all come at a cost to our community, with an estimated cost of $1,000 for this incident.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Shepparton Police on 5820 5777.
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