NPWS slam toilet pipe thieves
Media release: 14 September 2012
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been floored by how low some criminals will go after the copper piping from the public toilet block in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park at Bobbin Head was striped out last weekend rendering the amenities block useless to the public.
NPWS Lower Hawkesbury Area Manager, Peter Bergman said it was completely frustrating because the result was a costly emergency plumbing job while at best, the thieves would have been lucky to get $100 for the pipes and taps as scrap.
“For a few bucks they got their hands very dirty ripping out the copper piping and taps from our toilet block, putting around eight toilets and four basins completely out of action,” Mr Bergman said.
“NPWS staff moved quickly once they discovered the damage, sealing off the access points and plugging all leaks before calling in for prompt repairs.
“On a busy Sunday morning this was not only a challenge to staff but a complete inconvenience to our many visitors at Bobbin Head; a really popular weekend spot with families.
“It does however highlight the kinds of challenges and frustrations NPWS staff face in their day-to-day work managing parks and the impact vandalism has on our time and resources,” he said.
Mr Bergman said he was proud of the way NPWS staff handled the situation and said the contractors were on the job quickly to restore convenience to the public and flush away bad memories.
Anyone with information regarding the theft of copper piping at Bobbin Head should contact the local NPWS Office or Crime Stoppers on 1 800 333 000.
Contact: Gabrielle Last
Page last updated: 14 September 2012
