Parents in the South Golden Beach area have been asked to be more responsible for their teenagers after a recent spate of vandalism in the area.
South Golden Beach Community Association secretary Angela Dunlop told Echonetdaily that a group of young teenagers who regularly utilise the Helen Street footbridge ‘seem to be the ones intent on destroying it’.
The claims that local teens are responsible has been verified by a few sources and the police are aware of the issue, she says.
She also says that there have been at least seven incidents since August.
‘The stainless-steel handrail has been vandalised twice in three weeks,’ she says, ‘damage that would have required brute force from several people to snap the brackets.’
‘Where are these teenagers’ role models?’ she says. ‘Where is their pride of place? Where are their imaginations?
‘As evidence suggests that this damage is being caused by teenagers late at night, one has to wonder what role, if any, that their parents play in supervising their children and teaching them to be responsible, caring young adults.
Ms Dunlop says it’s disheartening for residents and volunteers who worked hard to provide recreational facilities and other amenities for the community.
‘These incidents include major damage to the disabled ramp at the SGB Community Centre, destruction of lights in the picnic and barbecue shelters, trees uprooted, burnt wheelie bins, broken glass throughout the hall grounds and a fire in the playground as a result of an exploding aerosol can which occurred this week.
‘The young people seemingly act with impunity, oblivious to the fact that there are negative consequences to their actions such as cuts and burns potentially sustained by toddlers and others walking on broken glass and hot embers.’
Shameful behaviour
‘This small group of offenders’ shameful behaviour is tarnishing our peaceful beachside village’s reputation and spoiling the amenity for locals and tourists alike.’
Furthermore Ms Dunlop claims ‘there have been incidents of rubbish being dumped in the nature reserve and on the foreshore, cars illegally driving along the fire trail between SGB and New Brighton, fires in the bush and on the beach and destruction of the vegetation, apparently to fuel fires.’
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Brunswick Heads Police on 6685 1277.
