The rundown state of the drill hall on Barkly Street has allowed burglars to enter the premises almost at will since January, while repeated calls to Maribyrnong Council for increased security measures have resulted in only ‘‘stop-gap measures’’.

‘‘We’re not happy about it; we feel pretty violated,’’ Women’s Circus general manager Dianne Toulson said.

‘‘Each time we’ve been robbed the council has responded with some pretty dodgy repairs. The burglars just find a new way in.’’

Ms Toulson fears the aggressive nature of the break-ins could have serious consequences for the more vulnerable visitors to the West Footscray premises.

‘‘A lot of the women who are part of this program can identify with being survivors of physical and sexual abuse.

‘‘They regard the circus as their ‘safe place’, so to be exposed to violence in this safe area for them has really had a deep effect on the women who come here.’’

Previous attempts by the council to secure the building have been stifled by the drill hall’s heritage status, a situation that has frustrated Ms Toulson.

In a letter sent to the council, the Women’s Circus has called for an urgent meeting between council staff, police and Heritage Victoria in an attempt to find a solution to the issue.

‘‘This kind of ongoing violence to our premises threatens the very fabric of our organisation,’’ the letter states.

Ms Toulson said the Women’s Circus, now in its 18th year, had been lobbying for a new premises for years. Current conditions were taking their toll.

‘‘Now when we arrive in the morning to open up, if there’s a noise or if there is a door open, we immediately think, oh, it’s happened again.

‘‘There could be somebody hiding in the office and that’s a scary thought.’’

Mayor Sel Sanli said he was willing to meet the circus’ management to discuss their concerns. ‘‘Anything we can do within our capacity to help, we’re happy to look into it.’’