By Jessica Micallef
Vandals have been caught on camera “firing marbles from slingshots” at stores in Sunbury’s Link Arcade.
According to business owners, a group of young people has been caught on camera firing marbles into store windows from the roofs of neighbouring buildings.
Hidden Cafe was one of the Link Arcade stores targeted.
Owner Martin Beamer said the vandalism was distressing.
“There have been a lot of windows damaged by vandals … we are sick of it,” he said.
“My business, Hidden Cafe, has had a front window damaged by a marble fired by a slingshot … it will cost $3000 to replace and I have to pay $500 excess,” he said.
“Windows were damaged opposite our cafe, to the physio and medical building. There are CCTV cameras in the street where this has happened going directly to Sunbury police station.
“We know we have to replace windows, but it costs more money from our pockets and it’s very frustrating.”
Mr Beamer said he was dissatisfied with the police response.
“There are not enough police in Sunbury, as we all know,” he said.
“It really disappoints me that there are no police in Sunbury – they don’t seem interested.”
Mr Beamer said he had taken matters into his own hands by installing security cameras at his cafe.
According to one store owner in Link Arcade, the vandalism in the area had been occurring for about six weeks.
“It’s been happening for a while,” they said. “They are up on the roofs, and they are firing marbles from slingshots.
“It’s only a matter of time before they hit someone in the eye.”
Sunbury Acting Sergeant Matt Schappacher said there had been four separate shop vandalism incidents reported in Sunbury dating back to January 21.
It is believed police have identified a suspect. Police have urged anyone with information to contact Sunbury police station on 9744 8111.
