A series of break-ins at the Lithgow Cemetery have continued, forcing Lithgow City Council to implement change to the management of the facility.
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In a media release Council stated it was once again discovered that individuals had broken into the Lithgow Cemetery building last week, with the purpose of causing deliberate damage and stealing valuable plant and machinery.
A blower, quick cut saw, socket sets, grinders and drills were taken.
Council's director of infrastructure services Jonathon Edgecombe said since the previous unauthorized entry, staff had improved the security of the facility but it wasn't enough.
"New bars over windows and heavier locking mechanisms on access doors have been installed, however this effort was not successful with thieves now entering through the tiled roof and exiting the building by force," he said.
While police have been notified, Council has stated it must take appropriate action to protect the facility and its contents from vandalism and theft.
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"Staff will be removing all items of value that can be stolen and store them securely elsewhere, in the short term this will result in reduced efficiency of running the facility," Mr Edgecombe said.
The administration is also seeking quotes for multiple CCTV cameras and a motion detecting security system to be put in place, and a roof replacement will be considered in future operational plans.
Mr Edgecombe said it was extremely disheartening that Council had to re-prioritise projects and funding to protect assets owned by the community from vandalism and theft.
"Every effort will be made to secure the facility and any information that is becomes available will be passed on to the appropriate authorities without delay," he said.
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