Window vandal before court

By Danny Buttler
A HALLAM man has been charged after a vandalism rampage in Pakenham.
The crime spree on Sunday 5 September has devastated Pakenham business owners, leaving 16 shop windows shattered, with a damage bill of more than $10,000.
Some businesses were not insured for glass damage.
Police arrested the 42-year-old man, who had to be subdued with capsicum spray, after he made threats towards officers.
He was charged with 16 counts of criminal damage and two charges of assaulting police before being released on bail. Shift workers who witnessed the midnight vandalism alerted police.
Bewildered business owners were staggered by the trail of destruction, which stretched from Get Smart Audio Visual in John St to Ritchies Supermarket in Main St.
The attack seemed indiscriminate, with a bakery, real estate agent, computer shop, sports store, clothing shop and cafe among those with broken windows.
Robert Reid from Video Busters was counting the cost of fixing his front door, which was smashed in several places.
“I’ve just found out I’m not covered for glass insurance, so it’s going to cost me,” he said.
Even for those with insurance, the damage was taking valuable time to clean-up and was keeping customers out of their shops.
Veronica Hughes from Vivandi Shoes and Accessories said she was disappointed with the attack on her shopfront and was expecting to be further let-down by any punishment handed out by the courts.
“Whoever did it will just get off with some excuse,” she said.
Simon Bailey, who co-owns Get Smart Audio Visual, said he hoped the courts would consider victims when deciding on punishment.
Anyone with information can contact Constable Michelle Burnett at Pakenham Police on 5945 2500.