Vandals wreak havoc

SCHOOL holiday vandals have cost Healesville thousands of dollars with their dangerous and reckless behaviour.
The East End has been particularly hard hit with a number of streetlights and the Beechworth Bakery under attack.
Armed with rocks and a stake, vandals launched an attack on the Beechworth Bakery on Saturday 29 September at around 11pm smashing two windows and causing thousands of dollars of damage.
Planks of wood were torn off a building outside with trees and shrubs also ripped out of the ground.
The vicious attack has left owner Matt Schwab with an estimated $7000 bill and a lot of mess to clear up.
“I don’t know why they would have bothered,” Mr Schwab said.
He believes the vandals were kids on school holidays. “If they were bored I could have easily given them some work at the bakery.”
At the same end of town numerous East End streetlights racking up a $3,500 bill which the community will have to pay.
Yarra Ranges Councillor Jeanette McRae is calling on local residents to contact the police or Crime Stoppers if they see anyone deliberately damaging the lights.
“This really is senseless vandalism, which is not only making the area unsafe at night, but it is also costing the community thousands of dollars in repairs,” Cr McRae said.
“Earlier this year the council had to replace light fittings and lenses at a cost of about $3,500, and more ratepayers’ funds will now have to be spent repairing the lights after the latest irresponsible damage.
Healesville Police say anyone with information about the attacks should contact their office of 5962 4422.