Lauderdale residents woke to find their access to Roches Beach destroyed this morning after thieves stole a roller and ran down a set of stairs.
The large machine was taken from a construction site on Mannata Street around 3:45am, before being driven through local streets to North Terrace and onto the beach.
Tasmania Police are now investigating the incident, while the Clarence City Council has closed the stairs and are accessing the damage.
“This is extremely disappointing and it is a miracle no one was seriously injured,” Mayor Brendan Blomeley told Pulse.
“What is so frustrating here is that the actions of an irresponsible few, these brainless knuckleheads, will cost the ratepayers of Clarence and negatively impact the residents of Lauderdale and those wishing to access Roches Beach.”
Roller owner Rachael Walter took to social media to express her frustration with the thieves.
“Not only is this an inconvenience to our business operations, it also has an impact on locals,” she said. “Whoever you are that stole our machine and thought it was okay to have done what you have, it’s a crime.”
“Local residents have had enough of the thefts and inconvenience this causes to their daily life. We have had enough.”
Police are now appealing for CCTV or dash cam footage of the area at the time to help identify those responsible.
“Anyone who has information … is asked to contact Bellerive Police on 131 444 and quote OR769974,” a police spokesperson said. “Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania.”
