Our View: Make vandals pay for crimes

Vandals don't often realise the far-reaching consequences of their actions. While damaging property and buildings does not physically hurt anyone - it is certainly not a victimless crime.
The Bay of Plenty Times yesterday reported that arsonists set fire to the public toilets at Kulim Park. A window made of heavy glass blocks was smashed and the gates at the entrances to both the men's and women's toilets unbolted and removed.
Police were also called to the toilets on Saturday after the glass block window was smashed overnight on Friday in an arson attempt.
This the latest in a string of deliberately lit fires in the area that have caused thousands of dollars in damage.
The toilets will be closed for up to a month and the city council will have to fork out for portable toilets for inconvenienced park users.
In a city that is facing huge rates increases in the years ahead, this money would be better spent where the city really needs it - infrastructure, tourism and paying off debt.
The wider Otumoetai community is now disadvantaged because of the inconsiderate actions of a few.
The toilet block has been targeted five times in four months and who knows when or where the vandals will strike next.
It is vital they are caught before they commit more serious crimes.
The good news is the offenders may have left a crucial clue for police.
Drops of blood splattered on concrete under the smashed glass blocks are now being tested.
A senior Tauranga firefighter says experience tells him it is likely young people are responsible.
If this is true and they are caught, will they be in a position to pay reparation?
Unlikely.
But a slap on the hand or a family group conference is not enough to deter them from future vandalism or potentially worse crimes.
It is high time the punishment fitted the crime and is meaningful.
The parents of these wayward youths should be made to pay - or these youths should be made to carry out community work such as cleaning public amenities.
If they experience first-hand just how much work goes in to looking after our city, perhaps they will think twice before committing such a thoughtless act.