Theft should be taken seriously

THE theft of the mayoral chains and robe is a major theft which goes to the very heart of Bass Coast Shire Council.

Our councillors should be ashamed and embarrassed at their unwillingness to properly investigate this theft, in my view.

Their dismissal of the theft as ‘an historical issue’ displays breathtaking ignorance. We’re talking 2017, not 1917.

I’m told the items had stringent protocols for safekeeping, ultimately under control of the CEO.

But these councillors are satisfied to sweep this theft under the carpet. They have advised me that they will take no further action.

Council’s evidence shows that it presented a vacuous verbal report to police. It is therefore unsurprising that police were unable to pursue any investigation.

One might question if the purpose of the verbal report to police was a genuine effort to seek investigation and recovery of the stolen items, or merely an excuse to claim that council had ‘reported the matter to police’?

Councillors dismissive attitude towards the theft plumbs new depths at council.

It sends an awful message to staff and to the community about the low standards accepted. And it signals that the perpetrator has gotten away with theft.

How can our community have any confidence that this council and administration hold proper values towards ratepayers and their assets?

Alarmingly our councillors are now contemplating slugging ratepayers for a replacement set of chains! I’ve heard cost estimates between $50,000 and $100,000.

Kevin Griffin, Inverloch