Community asked for help in solving toilet crime

The Lake Hayes Estate community is being asked for their help following a spate of vandalism at the toilets at the Lake Hayes Estate Playground (McBride Park).

Queenstown Lakes District Council contractors OCS Ltd has reported vandalism taking place on almost a nightly basis with the damage including graffiti, toilet bowls being filled with stones up to the rim, toilet paper dispensers being emptied and the contents being stuck to walls and ceilings, and mud and dirt being used to block sinks and smeared over surfaces.

QLDC general manager community services Paul Wilson said the vandalism was both annoying and costly for the community.

“The playground is used by parents and young children and it’s sad they’re the ones affected when the toilets are made unusable due to someone else’s stupidity, “he said.

“And of course there’s also a cost associated with the damage in terms of time spent cleaning up and resources being wasted.”

The police have been notified about the vandalism and Mr Wilson is asking residents to keep an eye out and report any suspicious activity. Closing the toilets overnight might have to be considered.