Whangamata horrified by serious vandalism

A series of acts of vandalism has shocked residents and visitors in normally quiet Whangamata.

Last weekend six street signs were smashed and three bins on Port Road were destroyed by arson. "These bins are close to buildings, which is of serious concern," says Garry Towler, our Council's Whangamata Area Manager.

There have also been cases of tagging, late-night fighting and assaults.

"This summer has been one of the worst in terms of willful damage we have seen in over a decade," says Mr Towler.

The fire service was quickly on the scene to prevent further damage from the rubbish bin arson attacks.

"We chose these bins because they looked nice, however they have rubber liners. This sort of damage makes us think we should go back to the steel bins which are not as appealing," says Mr Towler.

Complaints have been laid with the Police and they have confirmed they are dealing with the matter.

"This summer in Whangamata has been absolutely gnarly and I am mortified by the serious wilful damage, tagging, late night fighting and assaults," Mr Towler says.

If you have any information about vandalism, please contact our Whangamata Area Office on 07 865 0060 or Whangamata Police Station on 07 865 0300. If you witness vandalisim taking place, call the Police immediately on 111.

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