Swastika carved into car at RSA

Photo / NZ Herald

A 16-year-old RSA worker was one of the victims of a vandalism attack in which a swastika was scratched into his car.

All four tyres were slashed on Ethan Duncan's 1991 grey BMW, and the car had been keyed down both sides and across the boot - with the Nazi emblem engraved on the bonnet.

The Bethlehem College student's car was one of six staff vehicles vandalised in the attack. The others were all keyed.

"It was pretty disappointing," said Ethan, who had to catch the bus to school today.

The BMW was Ethan's pride and joy.

He had worked at the RSA for two years to save up the $2300 to buy it, and he had been doing it up.

He was at work as a kitchenhand on Saturday night when his car was vandalised in the RSA carpark.

Ethan had third party insurance on the vehicle, which did not cover vandalism.

The car will cost about $1800 to repair - just $500 less than he bought it for.

He will get just $400 if he takes the car to the wreckers.

Ethan's mother, Vicky Gillespie, said her son paid for all his car expenses himself.

When she suggested replacing the tyres but not fixing the body, Ethan said he was "too embarrassed to drive it" with the Nazi swastika.

The family is still deciding what to do about the car, which Ethan had been planning to sell.

RSA general manager Graham Howard said the attack had been upsetting for staff and patrons.

While the cars belonged to RSA staff, veterans cars' could have been targeted.

"It makes you wonder what's happening in society these days," Mr Howard said.

"I suppose in this day and age nothing surprises you any more.

"Why do people do things? I don't know."

Mr Howard said it was possible more cars were targeted, but the owners had not realised until later.

The RSA has laid a complaint with police.

- Bay of Plenty Times