Waihi arson attack 'infuriating'

Damage to the Victoria Park toilets. Supplied photo.

We've all experienced a burning desire to visit the toilet, but a recent arson attack on the men's public toilets at Victoria Park Waihi (aka Rocket Park) is completely baffling, pointless and infuriating, says Waihi Ward Chair Max McLean.

Toilet paper set alight in the disabled men's cubicle on Wednesday afternoon has caused extensive damage and the temporary closure of the toilets for cleaning and repair.

The women's toilets are unaffected and remain open.

Councillor McLean said ratepayers bear the brunt of the clean-up and repair costs and there's also a wider cost to visitors and the community.

'This isn't the first time these toilets have been vandalised, it happens too often. We want people to stop in Waihi and enjoy a positive experience, not find public facilities ransacked and closed due to vandalism. It's a real inconvenience to visitors and it reflects badly on our district."

Hauraki District Council Group Manager Community Services and Development Steve Fabish says each time this type of incident occurs it costs ratepayers approximately $6,000 for repair work and alternative portaloo facilities.

He expects it will be `business as usual' for one of the cubicles by Tuesday next week, but the disabled men's cubicle will be out of action until further notice.

Councillor McLean says the vandalism took place in broad daylight on a busy afternoon in town, and if anyone has any information that might help they should contact Police.

'This type of destructive behaviour has a significant impact on us all, and the best way to stamp it out is to work together, be vigilant, and refuse to accept it as a community.”

People should call the police if they spot any suspicious or potentially destructive behaviour.

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4 comments

Dorks

Posted on 08-09-2017 13:18 | By Ness

It's about time people that do this are punished properly and humiliated in public, if you read this but you probably can't read (edited)


Hmmmm...

Posted on 08-09-2017 15:24 | By morepork

...who do you know who is fascinated by fire, has no developed sense of social or any other responsibility, and doesn't recognize that actions have consequences? That would be just about every kid between 8 and 13 years of age... Why not put cameras where they can see the entrance to the toilets?


Hmmmm...

Posted on 08-09-2017 15:24 | By morepork

...who do you know who is fascinated by fire, has no developed sense of social or any other responsibility, and doesn't recognize that actions have consequences? That would be just about every kid between 8 and 13 years of age... Why not put cameras where they can see the entrance to the toilets?


Imbecile

Posted on 09-09-2017 08:01 | By Baystyle

They breathe and walk amongst us! Scary


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