Knox playground thefts: Thousands of dollars worth of swings stolen

CALLOUS thieves have hit five playgrounds in Rowville, Boronia and Ferntree Gully, swiping almost $20,000 of swings specially designed for people with disabilities.

A CRIME spree at Knox playgrounds has raised concerns a serial thief is stealing swings to sell on the black market.

Knox Council said five playgrounds had been targeted in recent weeks, with eight swings cut from their chains and taken.

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The thefts include six swings specially designed for people with disabilities, worth $3000 each.

A furious Knox mayor John Mortimore said the council and police were working together to investigate whether those responsible were selling the swings second hand.

A series of swings have been stolen from Knox playgrounds. They include swings that are specially designed for people with disabilities, worth $3000 each.

He said the council would replace the swings and was considering extra security measures to protect the remaining swing sets across Knox.

“Every time these swings are stolen, it costs the whole community,” he said.

“Young people and those with disabilities are the victims of these criminal acts. These children are being deprived of something they deserve to enjoy.”

The thefts have been reported at Rowville (Row Reserve, Hillside Park and Stud Park), Ferntree Gully (Windermere Reserve) and Boronia (Colchester).

The council is urging the public to be aware of where their playground equipment is coming from.

Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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