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A SPATE of playground vandalism has continued with the destruction of Kangaroo Flat play equipment worth more than $40,000.
Vandals attacked and set alight an Allingham Street playground overnight Saturday and caused irreparable damage.
The attack has frustrated City of Greater Bendigo staff and sparked a police investigation.
“We really want people to be vigilant,” council parks and natural reserves manager Simon Harrison said. “We have had an unfortunate spate of them and ultimately it costs the ratepayers to repair these things.”
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@BgoAddy This just makes me sad and angry, my daughter loves this playground. Stupid action by anti-social ppl.— Cathie Simpson (@Crazie_Cat) April 10, 2012
Authorities have cordoned off the playground, which vandals had previously attacked.
The ground is charred underneath the equipment and melted plastic hangs off frames.
Mr Harrison said the playground equipment cost $40,000 when it was installed but would cost more to replace.
“We will now have to remove the playground and replace it and that all takes time,” Mr Harrison said.
The manager inspected the playground yesterday. He said the council would make an insurance claim to recoup costs to replace the playground.
The latest attack comes after vandals caused thousands of dollars in damage to a Lake Weeroona playground.
“For our team, it is just frustrating,” Mr Harrison said.
“We had to order parts of the Allingham Street playground, none of it is made in Australia, and the replacement parts arrived last week.
“We have done all that and then discover that the playground has been decimated.
“It is a cost that we don’t need... insurance premiums will go up and we will have to recoup that.”
The Bendigo Advertiser contacted Bendigo police and police media but neither were able to provide any information on the matter.
