A SPATE of property damage caused to cars across the city has been labelled “very concerning” by the Mount Gambier Police as they attempt to track down the vandals responsible.
Overnight between last Thursday and Friday, 14 motor vehicles were damaged by vandals using rocks.
The incidents were widespread across Mount Gambier and the total damage caused is estimated to be in excess of $20,000.
Mount Gambier Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said the damage varied in each case.
“It was mainly panel damage and some smashed windows, which was caused by someone throwing rocks,” Snr Sgt King said.
“We believe the incidents are random as there are no links between the victims.”
The first damaged car was reported on Friday morning and police have since had several other people come forward.
“It appears that all the incidents have occurred on the one night,” Snr Sgt King said.
“We believe there is more than one person involved and they were likely to be travelling in a vehicle.”
After reading reports about the vandalism on social media on Friday morning, Mount Gambier resident Jamie Coates was surprised to find his car had also been targeted.
“I saw people mentioning there cars had been damaged on Facebook, so I actually went outside to move the vehicle and then found damage myself,” Mr Coates said.
Mr Coates described one of the rocks – which narrowly missed the window of his vehicle and struck the door pillar causing significant damage – was the size of a tennis ball.
He anticipated the cost of the repairs to be several thousands of dollars.
“They are going to have to replace or completely repair both doors,” he said.
“Just coming out of Christmas, it’s just more money I have to spend, so it is extremely frustrating.”
He said he was surprised to hear so many incidents occurred in the one evening.
“You do not hear of these sort of things happening too often, it’s just damage for the cause of damaging something,” Mr Coates said.
“I hope the police can track them down and they can be held responsible.”
While the incident is believed to be a one-off occurrence, Snr Sgt King said the large number of cars damaged is “very concerning”.
“You should be able to park your car on the street without having someone come past and throwing rocks at it,” Snr Sgt King said.
“Some people do not have a choice.”
He encouraged anyone with information or security camera footage to contact police as it may assist with the investigation.
“We are following a number of lines of enquiry, but just a little bit of information may help us put together the puzzle, so we encourage members of the community to come forward,” he said.
If you have any information about these incidents please report it online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you have any damage to your vehicle and have yet to report that to the police, please call Mount Gambier Police on 8735 1020.
