Cade Lucas
The historic Seaworks precinct in Williamstown is counting the cost of two break-ins that occurred on one night at the heritage-listed venue.
On the night of Thursday, September 19, thieves carrying chainsaws and believed to have arrived by boat, broke into the precinct and cut off timber from one of its piers.
The following morning, Seaworks executive officer Glenn Jones was on his way into work when he received a call from Parks Victoria, informing him of the incident.
“The fenders on the side of the pier they’ve chopped off and also the capping which holds down the actual pier planks, they’ve removed parts of that and chopped into that as well,” said Mr Jones of the redgum timber which the thieves took from the Commissioners Pier.
“People have been suggesting they’ve been selling it at market, but it’s more likely just for firewood,” he said of the possible motive.
The Commissioners Pier, along with the other piers at Seaworks, is currently closed due to being structurally unsafe.
Mr Jones said the thieves were lucky not to injure themselves while stealing the timber.
“It is quite an unstable pier so it’s dangerous to be on it and they’ve made it even more unstable now.”
The incident was reported to police who are currently investigating both it and an earlier break-in where a group of youths vandalised the precinct courtyard and damaged seating.
“Senseless vandalism really,” said a frustrated Mr Jones of the incident which is believed to be unrelated to the theft of timber from Commissioners Pier.
“It’s quite brazen when you’re right next door to a police station.”
The presence of the Williamstown Police Station next door to Seaworks clearly isn’t a deterrent, with the break-ins becoming a persistent problem at the precinct and not just from thieves and vandals.
“Fences are constantly being cut by fishermen wanting to get out and fish,” said Mr Jones, who warned trespassers that were not only breaking the law, but putting themselves at risk.
“They’re taking their life into their own hands because the piers are unstable.”
A $6 million restoration of Seaworks main pier is set to begin early next year.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000.
