Council responds to depot break-ins

Livingstone Shire Council is ramping up security measures at its Yeppoon Works Depot following two break-ins as well as an attempted break-in over a three-month period.

On the morning of 24 November 2022 Council workers arriving at the site found that thieves had cut through the perimeter fence and forced entry to locked sheds and key safes before stealing three utilities.

On 4 January 2023 thieves cut through the newly replaced fencing, this time forcing their way through secure windows to gain access to offices before stealing a utility and a truck.

All vehicles have been accounted for but unfortunately two vehicles were found burnt out.

Mayor Andy Ireland said Council has reviewed its security measures at the depot in response to these brazen attacks.

“After the first incident, Council’s Facilities team got to work straight away to implement extra security,” Mayor Ireland said.

“We’ve installed tougher security screens and additional CCTV cameras, along with relocating all vehicle and plant keys to more robust safes in an alarmed building.

“Contractors have been onsite to provide quotations for the installation of additional intruder alarms and lighting, and we are proposing to install a crash gate at the rear of the depot.

“This extra security appears to have helped as there was a third attempted break-in recently that was unsuccessful and only minor damage was caused.

“It’s hoped these measures will prevent any future break-ins and mitigate the impact incidents such as these have on Council’s service delivery to the community.

“Council is obviously very disappointed by these audacious strikes and while the theft has been a very unfortunate occurrence, it has not affected our wider works programme.

Council is working with the Queensland Police Service to investigate these matters and urges any member of the community who has information relating to the break-ins or who witnesses any unusual behaviour in the future to contact Policelink on 131 444. 

Council would like to thank Queensland Police for their ongoing investigations and for their quick recovery of the vehicles.