Vandals stole 35 metres of handrail from the Cannon Street Footbridge late last month making it a safety hazard for elderly and disabled residents.

The footbridge, opened officially on 3 July, has come under scrutiny from dissatisfied residents who have complained about poor workmanship and are seething that the handrails could be stolen so easily.

Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association member Garry Collins called on the council to take precautions against thieves.

“When the council build these things surely they should have some kind of anti-theft strategies in place to prevent this from happening,” Mr Collins said.

“You shouldn’t have to weld everything down.”

Sunshine North resident and disability advocate Peter Thomson said it was dangerous not having the rail there, especially for disabled or elderly people.

Brimbank Council General Manager Infrastructure and Environment Paul Younis said council was deeply concerned by the brazen act.

“Council is investing a considerable amount of ratepayer’s money in order to create a more attractive, accessible and liveable Brimbank through the development of public spaces and projects and it is disheartening to see these achievements being undermined by theft,” Mr Younis said.

This latest incident comes in the wake of a string of thefts from public spaces including the large birds nest swing and perimeter fencing at Packard Street Reserve, Keilor Downs, a picnic table at the Lakes Reserve, Taylors Lakes and recently planted street trees along Sunshine Ave. Police have been notified and are investigating the matter.