By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
THE groundsman’s shed at Cooroy State School is looking rather bare after more than $2000 worth of tools were stolen last week.
According to Principal Richard Barrie, there were two separate break ins at the shed, the first having occurred on the night of 23 April and the second sometime over the weekend. The items taken include a Husqvarna chainsaw, Stihl blower, Stihl hedger and battery, a Shindaiwa brushcutter/whipper-snipper and a 20-litre drum of fuel – a red plastic ‘jerry can’.
Significant damage was also done to the shed’s roller door, which – secured at the time – was kicked in and prized open. It is thought that whoever stole the items on the Thursday break-in was also responsible for the second break-in.
Groundsman with the school for the past six years, Bill Magin was angry and frustrated by the theft which will put him at least a week behind with the maintenance that he takes great pride in. Mr Barrie shares his sentiments.
“Not only will this loss of tools affect the maintenance of the school, but it will be at least $3000 out of our budget that we will have to spend to replace the tools as soon as possible and fix the shed,” Mr Barrie said.
“Insurance should cover the loss, but for now these are expenses that need to be accounted for and that may put books for students on the back order or hold up other funding for the school.”
The school is asking that anyone with information contact school on 5472 2100 or Cooroy Police Station on 5442 5030.
Each of the stolen items is engraved with the EQ number of the school on it (EQ1165).
