BRAZEN vandals have caused extensive damage to numerous partly constructed homes in Northam, leaving some prospective residents reconsidering moving to the town.
Residents report children as young as five are roaming the streets unsupervised and causing property damage.
One owner-builder, who asked not to be identified, said he would already be living in his new home had it not been so badly vandalised.
“We have probably been set back three months because of the damage. I’ve had five windows smashed, which are $300 each, and one of those rocks has come into the house and pierced a wall,” he said.
The bill to replace the windows, seal and repaint the wall and to upgrade the security system is expected to be more than $3000.
“My intention was to build a home here and then live in it, so this has obviously been pretty discouraging,” he said.
Rory Williams is a disabled pensioner and has endured several attacks since construction began on his home in November last year.
“Kids broke into the shed and put graffiti over the wall, then they took silicon guns and covered the bricks with it and they also tipped chemicals all over the floor,” he said.
“I put up a temporary fence, but they simply climbed over and wreaked havoc.”
When Mr Williams eventually moved into his new home, his car was badly scratched with a key and his letterbox was smashed.
“I would say over $2000 damage was done, not including the car respray, which is a lot of money when you are on a disability pension,” he said.
Northam Police Sen Sgt Nick Skinner said a youth liaison officer would be appointed in Northam once they had taken an induction course.
The officer would work closely with schools and community groups to tackle juvenile crime.