Seniors devastated by birdbath vandals

By Melissa Grant
VANDALS smashed a birdbath at Millhaven Hostel on Tuesday night, shattering an elderly woman’s routine in the process.
The incident comes a fortnight after vandals axed several trees in Heritage Springs estate and Pakenham’s Main Street.
Millhaven diversional therapist Raema Failla said she was outraged that the birdbath, accessible by a gate at the home, had been targeted.
The “senseless” act had caused much distress to one particular resident, she said.
“Aileen comes out every morning to feed the birds – it’s very distressing for the elderly,” Ms Failla said.
“She puts water in the birdbath and goes back inside to watch the birds.
“It’s a small thing. It might not mean much to some people but for an elderly woman it’s part of her daily routine.”
Ms Failla said the act had left her with a sick feeling in her stomach.
“Someone has got enjoyment out of it, not realising the ramifications,” she said.
Police said criminal damage was a continuing problem across Cardinia Shire and urged members of the community to report offences.
Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy of Pakenham Police said vandals’ targets tended to be random.
“It’s an issue, from graffiti to breaking windows to breaking bird baths,” he said.
“It’s mindless, it’s random, it achieves no purpose.”
Snr Sgt McCarthy said criminal damage was usually caused by people aged 16 to 25 and, once they were prosecuted, it was rare for them to commit a subsequent offence.
“Youths take risks and don’t always think of the consequences,” he said.
Snr Sgt McCarthy said reasons given for committing criminal damage offences ranged from boredom, not realising the consequences and being egged on by someone else.
Offences should be reported by calling 000 immediately, calling Pakenham Police on 59452 500 or anonymously calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.