Vandals used loose footpath bricks in the early hours of Thursday (16 July) to smash around 30 panes of glass at around 12 shops in Sorrento.
Residents were said to be in a state of shock as they surveyed the damage, while some stores face long disruption while waiting for suitable glass to replace broken windows.
Under fire was the Mornington Peninsula Shire, with the loose bricks having been slatted for a repair that had yet to eventuate.
The News understands that, once made aware of the situation, shire CEO Mark Stoermer immediately organised staff to head to Sorrento to make the area safe.
The shire also issued the following statement:
“Mornington Peninsula Shire condemns this senseless act of vandalism. We have been in contact with the Chamber of Commerce and our thoughts are with the affected business owners who have had their premises damaged.
“We understand the significant impact this has had on the Sorrento community and are working with Victoria Police as it investigates this incident.
“The Shire is aware that pavers from the footpath appear to have been used during the incident. We have inspected and cleaned up the area this morning with works underway to reinstate pavers and ensure the area is safe.
“Given this is a Police matter we are unable to make further comment. If anyone has any information on the incident we urge them to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000”.
Member for Nepean, Anthony Marsh was on scene first thing this morning, and retuned in the afternoon with the Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, who was on a pre-planned visit to the Mornington Peninsula.
In a social media video, Marsh said “We saw overnight just senseless vandalism. Bricks through the windows of about 12 local businesses and locals are just fed up”.
“They know that the crime crisis is all the way down to Sorrento. We’re not immune. And people know there is just no consequence for these vandals.”
