Someone broke into vehicles belonging to those working on the Lake Dunstan Trail yesterday and the call is out for people to contact the police with any information.

Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust executive trustee Janeen Wood said someone had broken into vehicles belonging to both Cliff Care and M3 Contracting workers in the Cromwell Gorge yesterday.

Windows were smashed and items stolen while workers were across the lake building the trail.

“Now that work has moved up the gorge, they’re more visible,” Janeen said.

“They’re doing such a good job for the community, it’s really disappointing that low-life opportunists have done this to them.”

Work isn’t always easy creating the trail.

Cliff Care’s Geoff Ellis said there hadn’t been anything visible to attract thieves to the vehicles.

“I don’t ever leave anything in my car, there was nothing visible, so just a camera got taken out of the glovebox,” he said.

“But they still managed to smash windows and do damage, which costs me.

“A vehicle from M3 contracting got broken into and he lost quite a few tools.

“They even took the vehicle manual out of his glove box – it’s unbelievable.”

A good length of trail is already open and popular for biking, running and walking.

Geoff said in the light of the morning, it was hard to find a reason why people would do this.

“It’s pretty disappointing, and we’ve now wasted quite a bit of time when we could be working.

“We’re trying to get the job finished and the trail open, and here we are mucking around for hours helping police do what they need to do and arranging repairs.

“If anybody has seen anything or suspects anything, please get in touch with the police.”

Janeen reiterated Geoff’s request – she asked that anyone with any information please contact the police.

If anyone is aware of this incident or has any information in relation to this please report to Police on 105.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

If you come across any suspicious activity please call Police on 111.

Photos supplied

Appvertisement