Hi Guys



I work for a Geelong based charity that has had surfing equipment stolen last week, so if any of you hear or see any cheap gear going around (especially branded) and it raises your suspicions then please contact the police:



MEDIA ALERT - More than $47,000 of equipment stolen from Geelong disability service provider Friday, 19 April, 2013



Karingal participants, families and staff have been left shocked and devastated after discovering this morning that all equipment to run its adventure program for people with a disability, had been stolen overnight.



Two trailers filled with everything from mountain bikes and surf boards to wet suits and rock climbing equipment has been stolen from Karingal's McKillop Street day service building. The trailers were locked behind a gate and staff arrived at work this morning to find the bolt cut and the two trailers with all equipment inside gone.



The equipment is used to give opportunities for 40 people with a disability each week to set goals and build confidence by doing outdoor activities as part of the Karingal Adventure Based Learning Experience (KABLE) including hiking, mountain biking, learning to surf and other activities.



Karingal Chief Executive Officer Daryl Starkey said the theft of the equipment, valued at an estimated $47,000, had forced the program to shut down.

"We are shocked and devastated that this has happened. All the equipment for that program was in those two trailers. Without it, those outdoor activities for our participants cannot go ahead," Mr Starkey said.



"Now 40 people with a disability each week will not be able to set and achieve their goals through this program as it has been forced to shut down."

Geelong Police have been informed and are investigating the incident which occurred sometime during Thursday night. The equipment was secured in two white covered box trailers which were padlocked and behind locked gates. Two cars would have been needed to take the trailers.



"KABLE has been running for more than a decade and its foundation is building people's confidence through outdoor experiences. The thieves have driven away with everything the staff have worked for and built up over the years with much of the equipment brought with grants and some has also been donated.



"Our participants will be very upset as this is a program so many people enjoy and get so much out of.



"Much of the equipment has the Karingal logo on it - we call on anyone who sees the trailers or any equipment they think may have been stolen, to contact the police."







