Vandals plague public toilets

• Published date: 23 April 2024
• Publication title: Ensign, The

It may lead to CCTV being introduced

Since October, 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 chairman 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.”

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

The toilets had been 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 where community board chairs presented to councillors.

Mayor Rob Scott said a lot of signs had also been vandalised throughout the region.

The Lumsden damage could be linked to the “needless, wanton” destruction of ratepayer property...