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A Housing New Zealand home in South Auckland had its windows smashed out and five separate fires lit inside it early yesterday in what was the third attack on the home this year.
The four-bedroom home in Bates St in Papakura was under renovation after being subjected to earlier damage in a street which has become so prone to vandals that a community constable was appointed.
Repairs to the property are estimated to be in the thousands of dollars after the three attacks.
Firefighters were called to the blaze by a passing security guard who noticed the fire at 12.22am yesterday and prevented it from taking hold.
"Intruders have gone in, smashing the front glass window, let themselves in and set five separate fires in the building," Fire Safety Officer Terry Castle said. "It is pure and utter sheer vandalism."
Rubbish, plastic and paper had been put into piles before the fires were lit. Three fires were lit in the lounge, kitchen and dining areas and a further two were in a bedroom.
Mr Castle said the fire was "opportunistic". The home had also been subjected to a lot of graffiti. At the scene yesterday, there was no sign of fire, with every window in the home covered by wooden boards.
Graffiti was scribbled all over the front of the home. Even the letterbox had graffiti and a tree in the front yard had burn marks.
Neighbour Tyler Murray said she woke on Wednesday morning to see the home covered in graffiti.
Ms Murray said the home had been damaged with its windows and walls smashed in about four months ago, when the last tenants moved out.
Housing New Zealand Corporation South Auckland regional manager Madhavan Raman said the area had been targeted by vandals for some time.
The corporation, police and council staff began meetings last year to address issues of antisocial behaviour, graffiti and vandalism in the area.
As a result, a community constable was appointed.
He was not available when the Herald called yesterday.
"Although the fire has not caused significant damage to the property, given the fact it has been vandalised on two other occasions, the corporation plans to take extra security measures and install a burglar alarm while renovation work is completed," Mr Raman said.
"Once the work is finished, a family high on the corporation's waiting list will be allocated the property."
Detective Sergeant Stephen Nightingale said police had taken items away from the scene for forensic analysis but it would be weeks before they knew if they provided any leads.
