WEIPA Town Authority chair Michael Rowland has slammed the “selfish” thief who stole speakers from the Kumrumja Centre in two separate incidents.
Police are investigating the theft of multiple speakers stolen from inside the centre.
The speakers, which are used primarily as the state-of-the-art sound system for movies, were stolen via break and enter.
It was the second theft of speakers, with three stolen from outside the centre last year.
Mr Rowland said the WTA was looking into the installation of security cameras inside and around the venue.
“I’m so disappointed by this theft, it’s a selfish act,” he said.
“What they don’t realise, is that this theft directly affects all of the town.
“Not only will it impact the movie experience of the families attending the movies in the April school holidays, but it impacts all of the ratepayers as well.
“Replacing this equipment will have to be paid from the rates budget, meaning less funds spent on other services or infrastructure. This directly impacts us all.”
Mr Rowland said the theft would have only been possible with the thieves bringing their own tools and ladder, as an access door was damaged to gain entry and the speakers were installed more than two metres above the ground.
“This wasn’t an opportunistic crime. A fair bit of planning has gone into this,” he said.
For parents and children attending the WTA’s scheduled school holiday movies at the Kumrumja Centre, the shows will go on, albeit with a poorer sound quality.
“We’re very excited to welcome everyone back and kick off the 2022 movie season. We’ve got some really special movies scheduled this year, including a youth movie night,” Mr Rowland said.
The community is encouraged to contact Weipa Police if they have any information regarding the whereabouts of the speakers or if they wish to remain anonymous, to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
