General News
22 August, 2025
Skylarking hoons damage cricket pitch, equipment stolen
Goombungee Police are appealing for information after hoons damaged Kingsthorpe Recreation Reserve’s field and peeled back the walls on the pavilion to steal equipment in separate incidents over two nights.
The Reserve Oval is used regularly during winter by the Toowoomba Grey Cavaliers Veterans Cricket Club, to provide a competitive outlet for the Region’s older cricketers.
President and Co-founder of the Grey Cavaliers, Ian Reimers said he was “more than disappointed” when he was told on Monday morning, that the field had been driven over, and on Tuesday morning that the equipment shed had been broken into and a steel blower, tool set, and whipper snipper stolen.
"We're as much about the mental health of cricketers as the actual cricket. We sell meat trays at the Stock Hotel to raise money," he said.
“We’ve done a lot of work to develop the place and some bloke comes along and rips it up for five minutes of fun.
“Toowoomba Cricket laid that wicket about three years ago and we’ve been slowly developing it into a really good standard.
“Our winter season has just finished and we were just about to top dress and scarify the wicket.
"If anyone at Kingsthorpe sees someone suspicious with a brand new whipper snipper, let us know."
Toowoomba Regional Council Parks and Recreation Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tim McMahon said he was disgusted to hear of the damage to a Council facility.
“There is no excuse for vandalising public or private property. This is senseless and mindless damage,” Cr McMahon said.
“This incident is a cost and an inconvenience to the public, which must be met by ratepayers.
“Damaging the oval surface and the cricket pitch area is completely unacceptable and something we do not tolerate as a community.”
Cr McMahon said Council will be working with the Grey Cavaliers to assess and correct the damage caused.
“Council is assessing the damage and will repair the lid on the irrigation infrastructure and top dress the damaged turf,” he said.
“The Toowoomba Grey Cavaliers Veterans’ Cricket Club will repair the cricket wicket area.
“Council encourages residents with any information about the incident to contact the Police.”
Goombungee Police are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information they may have as to who caused the damage and stolen the items.
“We are seeking information from the public from anyone who may know who is responsible, who may have seen the vehicle responsible and obtained the registration number, or who may have camera footage that they can produce to police,” Sergeant Michael Lingard of Goombungee Police said.
“Any information would be appreciated.
“Phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide any information anonymously.”
