Hobart Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding significant damage which has been caused to the Visitor Centre at the Botanical Gardens overnight.

Initial enquiries indicate that at approximately 12.30am on Wednesday 12 June 2013 four (4) males unlawfully entered the grounds of the gardens, via the Lower Domain Highway Car Park and placed a hose under the front door of the Visitor Centre.

The hose was left running for a period of over 7 hours which has resulted in significant water damaged being caused to the areas of the shop and training room.  Water has also leaked through the floor into a library area where extensive damage has been caused to archival records.

The cost of the damage has not been fully estimated at this time and a clean-up operation is underway.  Hobart Police are requesting public assistance in the identification of the 4 people responsible for this damage.  Information can be passed anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“This is wanton vandalism and Hobart Police will do everything they can to identify the persons responsible. 

“Someone knows who is responsible for this damage.  Police would like to hear from you if you know anything or hear anything in relation to this incident,” said Inspector Glen Woolley, Officer-in-Charge of the Hobart Division.