By JESSE GRAHAM
IT’S LIKE something out of a movie, but for Yarra Ranges Council, the theft of 300 metres of turf last week has been very real.
Strips of turf, totalling 300 metres in length, were stolen from Belgrave South’s Recreation Reserve overnight on Friday 24 October.
The cost of the turf is estimated to be around $3000, and the council has been left baffled at the theft.
“It’s like something out of a movie,” Yarra Ranges mayor Fiona McAllister said.
“Is there a black market for grass?”
A council spokesperson said a group of people is likely to have been responsible for the theft, as each of the rolls of turf weigh between 25-30 kilograms.
A police report has been filed over the incident, and security has been hired to watch the grounds – which are fenced off – overnight to ensure the grass-loving bandits don’t strike again.
The spokesperson said replacement turf has been ordered, and would arrive later in the week.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
