At the Thursday, May 6, 2025, Corporate Finance and Legislative Standing Committee, the Director of Corporate Services provided a verbal update to the Committee regarding property theft and vandalism issues that have occurred at Victoria Hall and Town of Cobourg owned facilities since Aug 2024.
August and September of 2024: Three sections of copper downspout ripped off the auxiliary building behind Victoria Hall. Each length was over 10ft long. Cost for replacement was over $7,000.
As a heritage designated property, the Town must maintain the same materials.
Sept 2024: A meter long section of one of Victoria Hall’s lightning rod grounding cables, which was made of copper, was cut out and stolen.
October 2024: Vandalism of gardens, planters, and picnic table on the south side of Library.
October 2024: Sections of copper wire were cut from the rear of Victoria Hall.
December 2024: Vandalism at Dressler house to downspouts. Rear building west pipe was ripped off.
May 2025: Downspout tieback straps stolen from some rear building pipes. Pipes were kicked in.
June 2025: West side downspout near rear finance exit vandalized. Hole cut in base of the pipe.
June 2025: A 13ft section of drain spout was stolen from the east side of Victoria Hall during a severe rain event. The spout has been temporarily replaced with PVC to avoid further damage until proper repairs can be made. The likely cost for this repair is around $2,000 – $3,000
Staff are proactively monitoring the facilities and CCTV cameras are in operation. Footage has been shared with Cobourg Police Service when activity has been caught.
Replacement and recovery have been paid for through the Building Maintenance budget.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
