Young thieves leave $30,000 damage bill for Maningrida health provider

REMOTE health providers have been left with a hefty $30,000 repair bill after young thieves went on an unruly weekend crime spree

A Mala’la Health fleet vehicle that was stolen by young thieves and dumbed in Maningrida. Picture: Supplied

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HEALTH providers in Maningrida have been left with a hefty repair bill after young thieves went on an unruly weekend crime spree, breaking into an age care facility and stealing cars.

A Mala’la Health food van, which serves elderly residents in Maningrida, was stolen by young thieves and written off. Picture: Supplied

Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Ray Matthews said thieves had caused about $30,000 worth of damage within a just span of 48 hours two weeks ago.

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“They broke into our primary health care office, and it cost us about $10,000 to replace and reinforce all the windows,” he said.

“The age care facility was broken into, and they stole the van we use specifically to transport meals to elderly members of the community.

“When police recovered the van, it was so badly damaged it had to be written off. That van alone is worth about $15,000.

“We’d deliver about 60 meals a day around Maningrida with that van but now have to use another car.

“Another one of our fleet cars was also stolen during the same weekend and was found crashed and abandoned later.”

“It’s really disappointing to see this kind of offending because at the end of the day, it's the community who suffers.”

The written off Mala’la Health food van. Picture: Supplied

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NT Police have been contacted for comment.

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