Window smashing spree in Te Awamutu

By AINSLEY THOMSON

Glaziers were working overtime in Te Awamutu today after a window smashing spree in the town.

Police in the Waikato town received 38 complaints from residents and business owners after the windows were smashed early yesterday morning.

Officers said those responsible for the damage appeared to have driven indiscriminately around Te Awamutu and the neighbouring town of Kihikihi smashing windows in shops - particularly fish and chip shops and bakeries - businesses and cars.

Nothing was taken from the businesses.

Four 17-year-olds are in police custody and are facing charges of criminal damage. Police arrested the four soon after a nearby school was attacked.

Two iron bars, believed to have been used to smash the windows, and the car they were travelling in have been impounded.

Senior Sergeant Dave Simes said there could be more smashed windows that the police have not yet seen.

"We know some people were unaware of the damage to their property until we told them, so there may well be more victims out there who haven't yet discovered anything."