Windows smashed in 'mindless act'

Hastings police are disgusted by the "cowardly" actions of a person who smashed nearly every window of a home belonging to an elderly man early today.

The 80-year-old was woken about 3am by the sound of someone walking around his Flaxmere house and systematically breaking the windows, Constable Andy Clinton of Hastings police said.

The man, who was alone, was shaken by the incident and at a loss as to why anyone would do such a thing, Mr Clinton said.

"Police are disgusted at such a cowardly and mindless act against an elderly and frail member of the community."

Victim support was with the man, who had no family nearby, Mr Clinton said.

Anyone who knew who was responsible for the damage or who had seen anyone in Tenby Terrace or Caernarvon Drive about the time of the incident was asked to contact police.

NZPA