A Townsville baseball club has been left with a $10,000 bill after vandals broke into their clubhouse, damaged property and raided the canteen.
Baseball Association Townsville president Ricky Esterquest said they had been subject to “extensive vandalism” at the clubhouse in Condon over the past six months.
The most recent incident happened on Monday when thieves broke into the clubhouse, busted up several doors and raided the canteen for drinks, alcohol and food.
Mr Esterquest said it cost them up to $10,000 in damages and about $3000 in lost inventory.
”It’s terrible — we’re in a really vulnerable position,” he said.
“The club has been forced to bolt the door shut, leaving the building in a very unsafe condition to the public, but also to the club and its possessions.”
One of the broken locks at the baseball clubhouse. Picture: Supplied
He said the club kept thousands of dollars worth of sports equipment on the property, and it would be “unimaginable” if the thieves were to return and take that next.
Mr Esterquest said they require support from Townsville City Council to secure the council-owned building they’ve been leasing.
Baseball Association Townsville president Ricky Esterquest and association secretary Kayla Bradfield at its clubhouse in Condon. Picture: Evan Morgan
Councillor Maurie Soars, chair of council’s community safety committee, said they were providing what support they could in the short term while also looking at more long-term solutions.
“We’re finding some of their needs right now, assisting with the doors and a locksmith, and we’re also looking at what are the enhancements we can (implement) working our way down the list,” Mr Soars said.
“That will include how we can improve visibility and capture footage with the CCTV.
“It’s terrible. It shouldn’t have to happen. Sporting fraternities and the volunteers, they put so much effort in to make these things happen to have some grub come along and destroy it all.
Baseball Association Townsville president Ricky Esterquest at its clubhouse in Condon. Picture: Evan Morgan
“It’s just wrong on every level, but these individuals have no morals and no standards whatsoever.”
A Townsville City Council spokesman said the leases that clubs enter into with council outline the responsibilities of the clubs, including the security of the building, minor maintenance, and graffiti removal.
In return, council provides the clubhouses at a nominal rental fee of $1 per year.
However, it remains the responsibility of the club to secure the building and perform any necessary minor maintenance.
He said council took immediate action on March 7, 2023, to remove the graffiti from the clubhouse.
Loading embed…