Trespassers spilled paint, lay in it and planted body marks on the wall of a Cobram soccer pavilion still under construction.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The vandalism, which occurred last Tuesday night or Wednesday morning in Doug Robinson Drive, caused more than $20,000 worth of damage and potentially delayed the facility's opening.
Senior Constable James Howarth, of Cobram Criminal Investigation Unit, said the offenders, thought to be three young females, had to climb gates and squeeze through a small gap to enter the site.
"They've emptied a heap of paint everywhere and got a big broom and mixed all the paint together on the floor," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Police believed the culprits then removed their shoes and outer clothing, laid in the paint and pressed themselves against the wall.
"Obviously it's fairly brazen, fairly poor behaviour," Senior Constable Howarth said.
Paint had been left in preparation to complete the community pavilion, a project funded by Moira Council, state and federal governments and a $50,000 donation from Saputo Dairy Australia.
Cobram Roar Football Club, which plays in Albury-Wodonga Football Association, will benefit from the upgrade, which includes unisex, fully accessible change rooms, administration facilities and improved playing surfaces.
Moira mayor Libro Mustica said he was disappointed such a fantastic project had been deliberately damaged.
"This senseless act, occurring earlier this week which caused more than $20,000 worth of damage, only harms the community in which we live," he said.
"With 260 registered soccer players on AWFA match days, 290 Cobram Junior Soccer Association registered players and 80-plus volunteers, there has been increasing demand for more space and better facilities."
Cr Mustica said the development would benefit not only the soccer fraternity, but other sports in the precinct such as basketball, netball and cricket.
"And now, due to the necessary and extensive repairs needed, this facility will see a delayed opening and thereby impact on already planned activities of these sporting clubs," he said.
Anyone with information about the vandalism or the identity of the offenders can contact Cobram CIU on (03) 5871 2866 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.