Wannabe thieves had a crack at breaking into buildings at Bulla Hill Railway, which is run by members of Tullamarine Live Steam Society.
Club secretary Kris Siderov says a roller door was damaged at its Green St buildings, bolts to a crew room were drilled out, and a padlock securing its ticket office vandalised. Society members repaired most of the damage, and replaced a padlock costing $150.
“They also attempted to break open steel doors covering our building’s windows,” says Mr Siderov.
“We don’t keep any cash on site for just this reason. All they would have found inside is some cans of drink and souvenirs.
“It’s a pain in the rear to arrive back and have to spend hours fixing the damage. The Bulla Tennis Club was also broken into – they have CCTV.”
Siderov says a member of the society spotted a van backed up against the nearby community hall, but was driven away moments after it was seen.
“We think someone was trying to break into the hall,” says Mr Siderov.
“We are just dedicated volunteers, the club has about forty members, so incidents such as these are very frustrating.”
Mr Siderove says the 18 February incident has been reported to police. The society is to install security cameras and extra lighting.