Ongoing vandalism at toilets

• Published date: 25 April 2024
• Publication title: Southland Express

Since October 2023, Lumsden’s toilets have been vandalised on at least five separate occasions

The stop is popular with people travelling through the region.

Northern Community Board chair Greg Tither said security cameras were now being considered for identification and deterrent purposes.

“[They have] absolutely gone berserk in there, and just been a menace,” Mr Tither said.

Hand dryers, basins, bowls and dispensers had all been targeted, with graffiti emerging as an issue last month.

The toilets were upgraded several years ago and were a popular stopover for people, Mr Tither said.

“It’s very seldom there’s not vehicles parked there ... so they are well-used toilets.

“When they’ve been done up, they’re in good shape, as long as the vandals stay out of it.”

The issue was highlighted at a Southland District Council meeting last week.

Mayor Rob Scott said a lot of signs had also been vandalised throughout the region, adding the Lumsden damage could belinked to the “needless, wanton” destruction of ratepayer property.

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