Mr Downer said a farmer who lived near Rupanyup Recreation Reserve had also contacted the club with information about the theft, after seeing a ute on his CCTV footage that appeared to have gotten bogged.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was basically just a standard car-transport trailer that was modified with a big steel frame. I\u2019d say that\u2019s what they\u2019ve cut off \u2013 that might\u2019ve been what the farmer heard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Downer said the scoreboard was insured, but replacing it would take time, while the club would need to replace the trailer using its own money.<\/p>\n
He said it was the second time thieves had targeted a trailer at the club this year \u2013 with one stolen about six weeks ago, which was intercepted by Warracknabeal police.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019d hooked it on and taken the plates off it, then spraypainted over all the signage on the doors,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe police happened to intercept them and we got a call when they checked, because they realised it was stolen. We haven\u2019t had a great run unfortunately. We were out of pocket for that because we had to then get it prepped and repainted. Now this happens. There\u2019s too much of it going on at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Downer urged anyone with information about the theft to contact the club. People can also submit online reports anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.<\/p>\n
He said the club would be unable to replace its scoreboard until next season, and will have to revert to an old-style scoreboard for the remainder of 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just makes life a bit harder. Digital scoreboards in this day and age are so much easier for clubs that are volunteer-based,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe obviously won\u2019t get anything up and going for the rest of the year by the time the insurance is sorted out. It\u2019s such an inconvenience, which is disappointing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The entire June 24, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n