Multiples thefts in weeks rocks Cairns Showgrounds precinct

A sole thief has allegedly targeted the Cairns Showgrounds over recent weeks, stealing thousands of dollars worth of copper pipes and gardening equipment from the volunteer-run facility.

A sole thief has allegedly targeted the Cairns Showgrounds over recent weeks, stealing copper pipes and gardening equipment from the volunteer-run facility.

Police are investigating the break-ins and urging anyone with information to come forward.

Cairns Show secretary manager Ian Moller-Nielsen said the showgrounds precinct was robbed at least four times in the past three weeks, by who he believed was the same person.

“Someone keeps coming to knock off our copper pipes,” he said.

“They’ve done it at least four times, and they keep coming back.”

Samantha Martin, who runs the Bush Tukka Cultural Hub at the Showgrounds, posted a video to Facebook showing the alleged thief at work. Picture: Facebook

Mr Moller-Nielsen said on one occasion, the thief cut the copper pipes to a set of toilets at the precinct which left the water running all night.

They were repaired, and the thief cut them off again, once more leaving water running overnight, he said.

“They also cut and dug up the copper pipe to the troughs where we keep PBR bulls, the pipes at the poultry shed, and the taps and pipes leading to handwashing basins,” he said.

A photo posted to Facebook shows the aftermath of one of various alleged thefts of the Bush Tukka Cultural Hub at the Cairns Showgrounds in recent weeks. Picture: Facebook

Mr Moller-Nielsen said he estimated it would cost close to $9000 for replacement pipes.

“They just don’t realise that it’s not supplied by government, it’s all done by volunteers,” he said.

“And this is now utilising the staff who should be maintaining the park.”

Samantha Martin runs the Bush Tukka Cultural Hub at the Showgrounds, a volunteer-run garden promoting sustainable and cultural practices through various workshops and events.

Samantha Martin, aka the Bush Tukka Woman, is well known for her Indigenous cookbooks and television segments on native Australian food. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Martin posted a video to Facebook saying the garden had also been robbed at least four times in “senseless break-ins” over recent weeks.

“My shed has been broken into, totally stripped – everything’s gone,” Ms Martin said.

“All the tools, gardening equipment – gone.”

Ms Martin said their lawnmower, whipper snipper and Weber barbecues were among the equipment taken.

“It’s disheartening because we don’t have a lot,” she said.

Ms Martin became emotional detailing the break-ins. Picture: Facebook

“A lot it has been donated by Local Indigenous Food Enterprise Services … and people who from the kindness of their hearts have given us things, so for all of that to be taken away from us is really shitty,” she said.

“I don’t get paid to be here … but I show up for the project and the greater good of what this project represents.

“It’s not fair guys, cmon now … you need to get your shit together.”

Mr Moller-Nielsen said the Showgrounds had roughly 100 metres of copper pipes stolen four years ago.

The incidents have been reported to police, Mr Moller-Nielsen said.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said on November 10, an unknown offender or offenders stole a copper pipe from the property, and copper piping was again stolen from a toilet block and yard area on November 27.

“Investigations are continuing, police are urging anyone with relevant information or vision to come forward,” she said.

Originally published as Multiples thefts in weeks rocks Cairns Showgrounds precinct