Spate of break-ins at Kyabram water facility

By Contributed

Apr 4, 2024

Be on the lookout: There has been a spate of break-ins at the water storage plant at Kyabram. Photo by Kyabram Free Press

Fences have been cut at a Kyabram water storage several times a week during a spate of break-ins over the past five months.

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Kyabram community members are being asked to keep an eye out for and report anyone trying to break into the Goulburn Valley Water water treatment plant.

Staff at the raw water storage site on McEwen Rd have noticed cut fences several times a week over the past five months in addition to missing or damaged site signage.

GVW will increase security at the site and is working with police to monitor and identify illegal entry.

Trespassing, intentionally damaging property or interfering with water operations or infrastructure at a GVW site can result in fines of up to $230,000.

GVW managing director Steve Capewell said the site was an active treatment plant and access was restricted to GVW staff only for security and safety.

“Illegally entering our site also creates time and financial costs for our staff to assess and repair damage to fences, which means time away from other day-to-day requirements,” Dr Capewell said.

“Months after we discovered people breaking in, we are disappointed to see people continue to risk not only their safety but also the operations at the plant.”

If you see any suspicious activity — for example, people loitering at fences or accessing the site outside normal business hours — report it to Kyabram police on 5853 1777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au or call GVW’s 24/7 line on 1800 454 500.