By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
Scouts at risk from drug taking around HQ…
THE president of Cranbourne Scouts has voiced fears for the children’s safety after syringes and bongs were repeatedly found scattered near their hall.
It follows an Easter weekend break-in during which the Scout hall’s windows were smashed, its locked doors busted and copper piping stolen from the property.
Police are currently investigating the incident at the facility on the South Gippsland Highway.
A week before Easter a Scout leader’s car was damaged by a raider who broke into the grounds while the children were having a sleepover inside the hall.
Last Tuesday Casey council resolved to look into the viability of having CCTV cameras set up at the property and new locks and doors installed at the hall.
Councillor Amanda Stapledon also called for the Scout hall to be added to the Cranbourne police surveillance roster while also encouraging a discussion with the Casey Neighbourhood Watch to take place.
President of the First Cranbourne Scouts committee Jenni Walden said vandalism at the hall had increased significantly since Christmas.
While graffiti vandals had been known in the past to tag the Scout hall, Ms Walden said the children’s safety was now under threat.
“It’s disturbing given kids are in the hall at times,” she said.
“This time of year it’s dark early and we don’t want kids going out in the backyard but we don’t want them to be restricted.
“Most people see this as a sign of the times, unfortunately.”
Ms Walden said copper piping had also been stolen from the Devon Meadows Scout hall in March.
Cr Stapledon said she was horrified when Ms Walden told her about the scattered syringes and vandalism.
“Children are the most precious and to have them exposed in that way, especially in such a highly held community facility, is highly concerning,” she said.
“A Scout hall is something sacred to the community, whether we use it or not.”
The First Cranbourne Scouts has about 80 youth members, ranging in age from seven to 18.
