By Jessica Micallef
The tyres of two buses belonging to Gisborne disability service Windarring were slashed.
Windarring team leader Marnie Broomhall said she noticed the tyres were slashed after arriving at work on October 26 – the Monday after the recent long weekend.
“We have two buses and three tyres were slashed – two tyres on one bus and one tyre on the other,” she said.
“It’s really disappointing to see it [vandalism] in Gisborne and it’s disappointing for our guys.”
Windarring provides day programs and respite for people with a disability and their families.
Ms Broomhall said the buses are used every day and the recent vandalism had inconvenienced both staff and clients.
The not-for-profit group is also out of pocket after having to pay for repairs for the three tyres.
“We use the buses to transport clients, for day trips and we pick up and take home clients sometimes,” Ms Broomhall said.
“We would use them everyday.”
“people need to be mindful and respecting of other people’s property because you don’t know what they need them for.”
“The buses are always parked out the front … of our business in a disabled parking spot every day,” she said.
“Do we have to find a place to lock them up every night?
“That will be a cost as well.”
Ms Broomhall said both the nearby Westpac Bank and the Gisborne Telegraph Hotel have security cameras but they didn’t cover the area where the buses were parked.
Police are investigating.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Gisborne police station on 5428 2500.
