Social media helps nab raid suspect
MUSGRAVE Hill Bowls Club has been the victim of a ram raid after a sole offender rammed the club’s loading bay.
After gaining entry into the premises on Monday, March 30, the person spent a minute and a half in the club.
When realising there was nothing worth stealing, the culprit walked away with nothing.
Minimal damage was caused and thanks to some great CCTV footage, the power of Facebook and some good police work, the offender from Ipswich was caught and will now end up in court.
Musgrave Hill is a great example of many clubs who are taking advantage of club closures due to COVID-19.
Renovations are proceeding while the club is closed and it’s hoped to have them completed by the time it’s OK to reopen.
The renovations would normally have had to work around patrons but now can be completed without having to make alternative arrangements.
Musgrave Hill club manager Brian Baldwin is happy with progress.
“A $1.5 million renovation of the Musgrave Hill Bowls Club courtyard, dining room and kitchen is proceeding with a view to providing new facilities when the club is able to reopen,” he said.
“And thank you to those who shared the CCTV footage on Facebook to help catch the ram-raid offender.”
Other clubs are using this time to update maintenance in or around the club.
Some are painting while others are fixing things around the bowling greens like ditch rubber.
There has been some confusion at clubs regarding rollups after the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming released a statement.
Bowls Queensland yesterday put out the following memo to clubs: “The Board of Bowls Queensland maintains their position and advise clubs and districts that Bowls Queensland will not be commencing any type of competition until such time as the COVID-19 situation allows all bowlers to once again play.
“Bowls Queensland does not condone roll-ups and should a club allow them it is the full responsibility of the clubs concerned and not Bowls Queensland.
“Clubs have a duty of care to their members and as such should they wish to follow the advice from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, it is the sole responsibility of the respective club committees for their actions regarding use of the playing areas of the club.
“Noting that any breaches of the restrictions could result in substantial fines for members and the club.
“Clubs should also consider the general advice that, unless it is an essential activity, to stay at home.”