Vandalism on the rise in Geraldton as ratepayers foot $75,000 repair bill

Vandals have cost Geraldton ratepayers more than $75,000 in repairs in the past year, according to figures from the City of Greater Geraldton. It comes as vandalism to public toilets and other public amenities and facilities continues to increase throughout the city. The HMAS Sydney II Memorial toilets have suffered multiple vandalism incidents in recent weeks. The female cubicle at the memorial was significantly damaged earlier this month, leaving the toilets unusable. Repairs were undertaken on the lock, toilet roll holders and taps at an approximate cost of $2700, including toilet hire. Rocks Laneway has also been targeted, costing the city approximately $500 for the removal of graffiti. The Geraldton Foreshore ablution block was also damaged recently, with offenders ripping off doors. Repairs to doors and frames following the incident set the city back $1500. Mayor Shane Van Styn said the recent trend of vandalism was concerning for the City and they were looking to clamp down on the offenders. “This city is disturbed by the amount of vandalism that is occurring at the moment and we ask parents in particular to look after their kids at night. I’m hoping that with the return of school, the vandalism will reduce,” he said. “The City is particularly disturbed that toilet blocks are the main source of attack. We’re struggling to work out why toilet blocks are such a target to vandals. “So the City spends large amounts of money in making public facilities as vandalism-proof as possible, which increases their cost, not just in repairs, but in capital costs, and continually supplies CCTV footage to the police to try and apprehend the perpetrators.” City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim encouraged the public to contact the Geraldton Police Station immediately if they witnessed vandalism.