Gang-like behaviour scares widow

Rogue gang-like behaviour has left a Shellharbour widow fearing for her safety with her Addison Street property becoming the constant target for vandalism.

Feeling helpless and afraid after years of attacks, Lorraine Tuckey said she was reduced to tears most weekends as vandals constantly attack her property with steel bars.

“It has been happening since 2001 when I moved in. After stopping for a little while, it is worse than ever at the moment,” she said.

“This weekend I was woken up when someone threw a large piece of steel into my yard after they ripped off six fence palings and that is nothing new at all.

“It happens most Saturday and Sunday mornings around 2am. I have spoken to some local people and they believe we have a real problem with a gang of youths who are getting into drugs around here. This is definite gang behaviour.”

Forced to purchase paint and erect new fence palings, Ms Tuckey said the habitual vandalism had left her drained, saying she was sick of being concerned for her safety.

“I don’t blame the police, their hands are tied most of the time.

“By the time I have rung them and they get out here, the vandals are long gone. They have been doing patrols around my house but they can’t be everywhere at once.

“I just want it all to end.”