'We've had a gutful of this' - broken into four times already this year

The club is counting the cost again today, the fourth break-in so far this year.

And president Paul Mullins knows even a major security overhaul is not going to stop it happening again.

"We are a not for profit, we just can't afford for this to keep happening."

Vandals bent not so much on theft as destruction entered the clubrooms at the showgrounds again on the weekend.

Windows were smashed, so were television sets and other items like fridges were damaged as the vandals tried to break into them as well.

It was another crime-ridden weekend for Katherine with the BMX club broken into again as well.

The televisions have only been replaced recently, thankfully by the TAB as a favour to the club.

"We have had a gutful, and we're not on our own," Mr Mullins said.

Club members and police managed to round up about half a dozen of the thieves after a recent breakin.

One weekend they had replaced broken windows after a breakin only to have the newly repaired windows broken they next night.

"One was only six," Mr Mullins said.

"The others, three or four of them we caught hiding in the grass, they were all under 14."

Like most in Katherine, the club believes the police are doing everything they can, but the trouble-makers are released only to cause the same mischief.

The club was on a high with a well received cup meeting a few weeks ago, but Mr Mullins said the club's continued damage left members angry and worried.

"We reckon it's going to cost us about $10,000 for security mesh for all the windows, money we are going to have to find.

"Then there's the windows, the locks, the padlocks from this one to be replaced, it will be thousands as well.

"We're going to have to pay for it, you can apply for grants but by the time we get one we'll be broken into again."

Mr Mullins said he had questioned Katherine Town Council about their showground security as well.

He said the vandals had repeatedly shown they were not interested in theft.

"It's like they are bored, just want to smash something.

"They are getting better too, because everyone is upping their security they are starting to bring tools."

Mr Mullins said insurance was almost out of reach for many as premiums rose from the regular claims.

Katherine Times has asked police to comment.

Police said recent crime statistics reveal a drop in shop breakins in Katherine.

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