Police called in over park’s poo problem

YOU might have heard of Brisbane’s notorious poo jogger.

Now it seems the Hobart suburb of Lenah Valley has its own poo problem and Tasmania Police is trying to nab whoever is defecating, or placing faeces, in a much used family play space and driveways.

Over the past 12 months, the Girrabong Rd Playground has become a less pleasant place to be.

First, families were being verbally harassed, then doggie waste bags and a communal toy basket were stolen.

A park gate would also be left open allowing dogs and children to get out of the safe, confined area. Then littering began and pine bark from the park was swept on to the footpath and road after the street sweeper had been.

The situation then escalated to a new, unhygienic level with faeces being strategically placed around the park, in- cluding on the gate so those entering would come into contact with it.

The Mercury has been told the human excrement campaign, believed to be carried out by a local resident, is aimed at deterring dog owners from using the park.

The faeces found in the area was collected and tested to see if it had been baited to kill dogs, but has been found to be clear and confirmed as human.

In a similar scenario to the poo jogger who was exposed in Brisbane, Lenah Valley residents just want the messy situation sorted.

The mainland poo jogger — a corporate executive — was publicly defecating as he ran past an apartment block in the suburb of Greenslopes.

“Police are aware of the incidents and have conducted investigations and held discussions with residents and the local council,” Tasmania Police said yesterday.

A local resident was repor- ted as saying the community did not want the offender “strung up” but just wanted the offensive behaviour to stop.

“We have now had reports of faeces in people’s driveways in the area,” she said.

“We have distributed 250 letters asking people who are verbally abused or who see anything to contact the council or the police.

“What we need is more people watching and reporting what they see. The park dumping is moving up the road to private dwellings and needs to stop.”

The letter says reporting offensive behaviour will help increase transparency and safety in the community.

“We all have the right to safely enjoy the lovely community we all live in,” it says.

Anyone with information should contact Hobart Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au

helen.kempton@news.com.au