Thieves have stolen approximately $1000 worth of goods from the Kilmore Miniature Railway Shed, after two of five attempts at a break-in were successful last month.
A door to the shed was damaged during the most recent incident reported on October 18, with an estimated $620 worth of goods stolen during the burglary.
Kilmore Miniature Railway member Doug Dyson felt disheartened about the series of targeted attacks on the shed, stating that the volunteer-run club simply existed for the benefit of the community, rather than for profit.
“Over the last four weeks, they’ve been determined to get in. They’ve been in twice now,” he said.
“How dare they take stuff away from volunteers, who are only there to help the community more than anything else.
“The kids love [the miniature train rides] … when the kids come down, this is why we do it.”
Though the shed has motion-sensor lights installed, Mr Dyson noted that they did little to deter the thieves, who simply turned them off during the incident.
“We’ve put motion sensor lights outside, but the [thieves] got up and turned them off,” he said.
“They [also] turned all the power off. So, whoever is doing it is not stupid, or they’ve done it before.”
The club has since made the decision to install CCTV cameras to enhance the security of the shed and deter further attacks, but was noticeably distressed about the series of incidents.
“We’ve been working flat out for the last couple of months to get the train up and running so we [could run last] Thursday for Halloween,” Mr Dyson said.
“I’m so [angry] about it all, it’s just not funny.”
Acting Senior Sergeant of Kilmore, Broadford, and Pyalong Police Stations Stephen Solyom stated that members from the Mitchell Crime Investigation Unit were investigating the incidents, and local police had increased patrols in the area.
“It appears that offenders are looking for items to steal and some extensive damage has been caused,” he said.
Anyone with information regarding the incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
