Gift of camera focuses on vandals at Friendly Bay

Ongoing vandalism at the Friendly Bay playground, the Esplanade and the Harbour area, and the Yacht and Power Boat Club, are set to be captured on security camera, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous local donor.

Waitaki District Council property manager Dougal McIntyre said he was disappointed in the level of misbehaviour in the area, particularly he recent spate which included hardwood beams being thrown into the Oamaru Harbour, damage to the Friendly Bay playground train and train station and the theft of the rocket from the steampunk Elephant.

"There is a lot of public goodwill and many long hours of volunteer work, plus the funding which have all come together to give the community spaces they can be proud of," Mr McIntyre said.

"Seeing the family groups each weekend and after events such as the Santa Parade enjoying the playground and the grassed areas is just fantastic. Then we get on-going misbehaviour which ruins it for everyone."

Mr McIntyre said the damage bill runs into several thousands of dollars.

The cameras will cover an area from the Penguin Colony and including the Yacht and Power Boat Club, Holmes Wharf and the playground.

"People are starting to call it 'their playground' and that is just what we want, without any of the damage and misbehaviour," he said.