Mildura Recreation Reserve victim of repeated break-ins and vandalism

A popular reserve in the heart of Mildura has suffered a spate of vandalism and break in attempts, leading to calls from community and sporting clubs for improved security measures.

A broken window at Mildura Recreation Reserve vandals smashed in an attempt to break in. Picture: Supplied.

The Mildura Recreation Reserve has become a target for vandalism and break ins in recent months with Mildura Football Club falling victim twice in one day.

With break ins just four hours apart, locals are becoming frustrated at the constant spate of attacks.

“The function centre used by Mildura Football Club was broken into and got its TV stolen. Council came down, got a glazier out to fix the smashed glass and replaced the TV. Four hours later the glass was smashed and the new TV was stolen,” a frustrated user of the reserve told the Herald Sun.

The reserve, located on Twelfth St, is home to several sporting and recreational clubs including the Mildura Show, Mildura Harness Racing Club, and Mildura Football Club.

Community and sporting clubs who use the facility are at their wits end.

Graffiti left by vandals at Mildura Recreation Reserve

“It’s not just break ins and vandalism that has been happening,” Mildura Harness Racing Club president Allan MacDonald told the Herald Sun.

“We have had homeless people living in the stables. I mean we have had attempted break-ins to our function area. Our machinery sheds and warehouses have been broken into as well.”

Mr MacDonald said he believed it was the actions of kids up to no good.

“It’s most probably kids. They do more damage breaking into the place than the $20 worth of steal they steal once they get in,” he said.

Fences cut open the night before Mildura Show

Mildura Show co-ordinator Jo Rodda said she felt like the break-ins had been constant over the past few months and called on the council to take action.

“I have been working down at the Recreation Reserve for over 18 months, and there was occasional vandalism, but the escalation over the last three or four months has just gotten beyond ridiculous,” she said.

“We approached (council) to install security cameras, but for whatever reason they seem to be a little bit reluctant to take action.”

Mildura Rural City Council said it was aware of several incidents at the reserve.

“Working alongside user groups and Victoria Police a number of measures have already been identified to improve security which we’ll continue to work through with user groups in coming weeks.” the council’s general manager for healthy communities Mark Jenkins said.