Mangawhai rate strikers are incensed their properties have been trespassed on by unknown offenders who have vandalised the signs advertising their protest action.
Last Thursday night custom-made black vinyl stickers with BLUDGER in large white letters was stuck over the majority of around 200 protest signs so the signs now read - "Another Bludger Mangawhai Property" rather than the original "Another Striking Mangawhai Property".
Many Mangawhai property owners are refusing to pay rates in protest over the Kaipara District Council's $80 million debt, most of it over Mangawhai's sewerage system.
The sign defacers had to climb over fences to gain access to the signs on some properties.
Spokesman for the affected residents, retired barrister Clive Boonham, said many older residents were frightened "someone has came in the dead of night and trespassed on their property to commit a crime ... the younger ones are incensed - all are concerned that this type of attack could escalate."