Smashing windows, destroying pot plants, tossing paint over buildings and floors and smearing faeces on toilet walls are amongst the acts of wilful damage that have cost traders in Noosa Junction thousands of dollars and have police calling for help to track down the culprits.
Police on Friday released images of two young girls aged about 10 to 15 years who they believe are responsible for at least some of the vandalism.Noosa Heads senior sergeant Ben Carroll said police suspect the girls may be sleeping rough or on holiday as they haven’t been locally identified.
“We’re not sure what their circumstances are,” he said.
CCTV footage was captured of the girls in the area in the early hours of 1 October on the same night considerable damage was caused to plants and pots in Arcadia Way.
In the evening of 25 September a cleaner caught two young girls vandalising public toilets in Lanyana Way, on the same night windows were smashed and paint strewn around.
Snr sgt Carroll said the situation was very frustrating for police and traders who wanted to maintain an attractive, welcoming environment for visitors.
“They’re decreasing the amenity of the area,” he said.Noosa Junction Association representative Joel Laventure said businesses were working together to make the precinct as safe and clean as it could be.
He said businesses were working with the police, gathering as much evidence as they could and keeping each other informed. “We’re treating it as a community response,” he said.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Noosa Police on 5440 8111.