The City of Victor Harbor has called on the community to serve as extra eyes and ears following a recent spate of vandalism.

In a Facebook post the council expressed its disappointment at the destruction of community facilities.

“Repairing damaged infrastructure is costly and time-consuming for Council, taking resources away from our core services. 

“The damage also creates a major inconvenience for users of our facilities. 

“It unfairly impacts residents, businesses and visitors to our beautiful region.”

The council has asked locals who discover vandalised infrastructure to notify  it by calling 8551 0500 and anyone who witnesses vandalism to report it immediately to SAPOL on 131 444.

It says the recent acts don’t reflect the spirit of Victor Harbor’s safe, respectful and peaceful community. 

The council says its staff have met with police officers from Hills Fleurieu Local Service Area several times over the past month, exploring opportunities for collaboration. 

The purpose has been to share information about its key programs, giving local police officers a better understanding of the services provided by local government and to build relationships. 

The council says the focus for both Police and its staff is to ensure actions are taken in ways that support the most vulnerable in the community. 

CEO Victoria MacKirdy says there can be synergies between the work of local government and policing authorities. 

“While the roles of police and local government are often clear cut and defined by legislation, we do have mutual ambitions. 

“We both exist to serve our local community, with shared aspirations for community wellbeing and safety, so it makes sense that we’d work together on our common goals,” she says.

“Police are very much on the frontline, interacting with some of our most vulnerable community members. 

“If a police officer believes that an individual could benefit from joining one of Council’s community programs, they can refer them on and make that initial connection.” 

“Council has always had a good relationship with Hills Fleurieu Police, but this is about further exploring how we can collaborate on some matters in the best interests of our community. 

“We’ve been very glad to host several groups of officers over the past month and we look forward to where this initiative will lead us.” 

Superintendent Joanne Howard, Officer in Charge of the Hills Fleurieu Local Service Area, says the opportunity to engage with Council has been beneficial. 

“Senior Sergeant Andrew Bruce, our Training and Development Coordinator, collaborated with Council to produce a comprehensive training day program. 

“The sessions presented by Council were informative and the Council staff are clearly passionate about the programs they are delivering. 

“We look forward to continuing our positive engagement with the City of Victor Harbor Council to improve community safety for residents, businesses and visitors to the Fleurieu.”