A freshly painted kerb number in Kyabram.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Following reports of a suspected scam happening on Kyabram streets, local police and Campaspe Shire Council have cleared up a misconception about kerb numbering.
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In the past week, residents have flooded social media with warnings about a person visiting addresses offering kerb numbering services for emergency service vehicles.
Shirlie Baum wrote on the Kyabram Community Page on Facebook that her mother’s address was approached, and was not advised of an $80 service fee before agreeing to have it done.
Comments revealed a pattern, with dozens of residents across Kyabram sharing similar experiences of being approached by the same person offering this service; however, others claimed they had been told about the fee upfront.
The Free Press found on Munroe Cres, Waratah St and Dawes Rd alone there were nearly 50 houses with freshly painted kerb numbers — many painted directly beside existing, clearly visible numbers.
At $80 per service, these residents have collectively paid over $3500 for what Kyabram police and council confirm is completely unnecessary kerb numbering.
A kerb number painted next to a fading, but still visible, existing kerb number.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Kyabram police Acting Senior Sergeant Paul Van Emmerick said while the person visiting houses was not committing a criminal act, he advised residents to be careful soliciting services from random individuals.
He urged residents to contact Kyabram police if anyone attempted to charge money for services without proper consent or explanation of fees upfront.
Council chief executive Pauline Gordan similarly said it was “not a legal requirement by council” to have your street number painted on the kerb.
“This is not a service that council offers,” she said.
“Residents are only required to have their property number clearly displayed on their home or mailbox so it can be easily seen from the street.”
She said residents can have it painted “at their cost” if they like, but the service provider should have a Working Within Road Reserve permit and follow the standards for kerb numbering.
Residents who feel like they have been misled or pressured to pay for this service, or wish to report suspicious tradespeople, are encouraged to visit scamwatch.gov.au or consumer.vic.gov.au
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