Boardman Stadium break-ins prompt safety warning

Patrons of Sunbury’s Boardman Stadium are being urged to not leave valuables in their cars, following a spate of break-ins.

The Sunbury Basketball Association issued a warning to its members last week, advising them that cars parked at the Mitchells Lane basketball stadium had been broken into in recent weeks.

In a Facebook post on June 17, the association told members it was working with the council to improve security at the stadium.

“Over the past few weeks, we have had a few cars broken into while people have been attending various basketball games,” the association said.

“SBA members are urged to keep all valuables out of sight and not in cars. If you see any suspicious activity please call Sunbury police station.

“The SBA is currently in communication with Hume City Council to try and get better security measures at Boardman.”

The post prompted calls from the community for security cameras to be installed at the stadium, with one resident saying his car, which was parked at the entrance to the stadium, was broken into on June 16.

“Some security cameras at the venue wouldn’t go astray,” he said.

Hume council corporate services director Daryl Whitfort said the security concerns had only recently been brought to the council’s attention.

“Council is committed to a safe community and will discuss the matter further with relevant groups,” he said.

The latest Crime Statistics Agency data revealed that thefts from motor vehicles were on the rise in Sunbury. The town recorded 331 thefts from vehicles in the 12 months to March, up 20 per cent from the previous 12 months.

Police have reminded residents to take responsibility to secure their cars, warning that offenders are targeting unlocked vehicles.