Gas bottle bandits strike again

Coorabell Hall has fallen victim to gas bottle bandits for the third time in less than two years, as the practice continues to blight the Shire.

Organised and well-equipped thieves stole the hall’s gas supply along with its hot water heater and regulator on Thursday night, according to president Billy Wrencher.

‘The high tensile chains were cut, the steel cage [around the bottles] was removed and the security lock on the hot water heater was drilled and cut,’ Mr Wrencher said.

‘It was well-planned by some not community minded losers. Sadly we may not be coverd by insurance so this is potentially a big loss to our local communty and volunteers.’

‘If anyone out there is offered a Rinnai Infinity 26 hot water heater and gas bottles cheap, you know where they came from.’

It is less than seven months since the last gas bottle theft at the hall, and less than two years since the first theft in 2016.

Other local halls and businesses have also fallen victim to the gas bandits. including LuLu’s Cafe in Mullumbimby which had three gas bottles stolen during two separate incidents in 2016.

Mr Wrencher said police suggested he install video cameras at the hall to prevent future thefts.

‘Unfortunately that’s another expense for the hall but we have to do something to prevent it happening again.’

For those on the look out, the full details for the stolen water heaters are: HWS Gas Rinnai B16LTKEXT LPG 50D Serial No: B-16L50.