BALLARAT Turf Club (BTC) has been devastated by a senseless theft, with $50,000 worth of equipment swiped.
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BTC chief Lachlan McKenzie said staff were confronted with distressing scenes of property damage when they arrived at work on Thursday morning.
There was obvious damage to the BTC utility shed, security fences and corrugated iron fences.
Equipment, including a six-month-old John Deere Gator, was reported stolen.
Police say the Kennedys Road theft happened sometime between 5pm Wednesday night and 7.20am Thursday morning.
Mr McKenzie urged community members to come forward if they had any information.
“Our manager came in and her found the secure shed broken into,” Mr McKenzie said.
A security fence was dented and clearly damaged.
“They tried to ram the Gator into the fence but they couldn’t get through,” he said.
That fence did not stop the brazen thieves who police allege drove the machine through a six-foot high fence, that is now destroyed.
Police said offenders snatched power tools, including two welders, an air compressor and gas bottles.
They believe the Gator was driven from the club and possibly placed on a trailer.
Mr McKenzie called the theft immensely damaging.
“It’s devastating financially,” Mr McKenzie said.
“It’s a major financial blow and we work hard to run the business, which relies on members.”
The theft comes as the club prepares for the impending Grand National Steeplechase on August 9.
“We now have to get ready for the event without the tools we would usually use,” Mr McKenzie said.
“It’s damaging to the moral.”
Detectives from the Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit are investigating the incident and are keen to speak to anyone with information.
They have also urged anyone offered cheap equipment for sale, that matches the description of the items stolen, to contact police.
Mr McKenzie and staff hope the equipment will be recovered quickly.
“If we make an insurance claim we will only get $20,000,” Mr McKenzie said.
“But I also want this senseless theft, which has risen recently, to stop.”
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Ballarat police on 5336 6000.
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