General News
3 June, 2025
Break-in rocks sports clubs
A troubling trend of criminal activity continues to plague Avoca with several sporting clubs the latest target for thieves.
Pyrenees Pétanque Club spokesperson Debbie Hicks described the disappointment of having a trailer full of equipment stolen from a locked shed at the Avoca Recreation Reserve last week.
“It’s more than a trailer,” she said.
“The trailer means a lot to our club because that’s how we transport our equipment which is particularly relevant when we’re hosting our two major events.
“It’s a very unique trailer, it was individually crafted for us from Doova Engineering in Avoca.”
The notion of someone stealing the trailer had never been considered at the club.
“It’s very frustrating, we never thought anybody would come and take the trailer from the shed, it’s been stored there for well over a decade,” said Ms Hicks.
Many of the club’s assets were inside the trailer including pétanque gear, several marquees, catering equipment, first aid kits and a barbecue.
Ms Hicks confirmed the local football club and cricket club were also victims of the night raid, with 15 pro-quality footballs and a bowling machine also stolen from the facility.
Leading Senior Constable Dale Harrison from Avoca Police confirmed the break-in happened in the early hours of Thursday, May 22 and he expressed his concern for the emerging criminal trend emerging in the picturesque town.
“Unfortunately, as community Police, this is what we deal with, thefts and the like and there’s been plenty of it,’ Said LSC Harrison, referring to the recent uptick in crime.
“We’ve had 16 thefts from motor vehicles and all this sort of thing, so crime is slowly growing in the area,” he said.
LSC Harrison encouraged everyone in the community to be vigilant and remember to keep doors locked and do what they can to prevent and deter would-be thieves.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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