Vandals' trail of destruction

SENSELESS ATTACK: Greydon Little, left, and Scott Gaddes were unimpressed and confused by an attack on the Centrestage Theatre.

Those involved with the Centrestage Theatre are struggling to comprehend a shocking piece of vandalism.

A trail of carnage costing more than $4000 was discovered at the popular Orewa theatre after the alarm was raised on Sunday morning, including broken doors and windows, a smashed up picnic table and further damage and debris inside the theatre.

Theatre staff were left wondering if drugs had been involved because of the apparent aggressiveness and determination of the vandals,

Theatre manager Scott Gaddes says nothing like this has happened before and he can't imagine who would want to damage the theatre.

Mr Gaddes rushed to the scene at 3am and says there was a tremendous mess with glass everywhere, blood and damage to the office including a smashed photocopier.

The timing of the attack was unfortunate as a new production of the musical Barnum is planned and this disrupts preparations.

He says it is inconvenient, especially with the timing, but the start of the show won't be delayed.

Centrestage Theatre Company committee member Greydon Little helped with the clean-up and was also left puzzled by the attack.

"The thugs seemed to have been frightened off by the alarm but they have left fingerprints and even some blood samples so police are positive we'll hunt them down," he says.

"We've had the occasional window smashed before but this was more than just wanting to get in – these idiots really made a job of it."

Mr Little was taken aback by the attackers' determination. It had required strength and probably numbers to break the picnic table and then smash shatterproof glass to enter.

"It's the nuisance of it all. We are struggling in these hard times and when something like this happens everyone gets a little disheartened."

The theatre is insured but an excess will have to be paid.

If anyone has information that can be passed to police contact the theatre in confidence on (09) 426-7282.

- © Fairfax NZ News