KEY POINTS:
South Canterbury police are investigating the vandalism of a dairy operation near Waimate that took out a large milking shed for almost 24 hours.
Sergeant Mike van der Heyden, of Waimate police, said 1200 cows missed milking yesterday after vandals using a hammer or similar tool attacked the milking shed in Ikawai Middle Rd, about 20km southwest of Waimate, overnight on Monday.
As well as smashing milking shed equipment and electrical power boards, the vandals also spilled "several thousand litres" of milk.
"It was quite a malicious act on the part of the offenders," Mr van der Heyden told NZPA today.
"They've caused substantial damage to the shed, immobilising it completely."
He said he believed the attack was motivated by "disgruntlement ... someone with a grudge against the farmer".
The large dairy operation was shut down for some 20 hours, resuming late yesterday only after a team of milking machine specialists replaced damaged components and electricians repaired wiring and replaced power boards.
Mr van der Heyden said he'd identified "two suspects" and planned to interview them this afternoon.
- NZPA
