Ann Langer doesn’t want to live in a seniors-only community and she strongly supports the drive to keep the local high school open.
However, after her house on Garret Road suffered yet another attack by teenage vandals last week, she’s fed up — and starting to question that support.
The 10-year Qualicum Beach resident said one of her windows was holed by a pellet gun recently and then, on April 29, a piece of pipe was used to break a corner of her siding.
“That same night, a group of teens was seen running down upper Garret Road. There was a girl with them this time and she was laughing,” she said. “When they got to my house, the largest of them took a run and body checked my fence. Apparently he was surprised when it held.”
Langer said vandalism in the quiet neighbourhood is nothing new.
“Upper Garret Road has always been a target and we were so thankful when they closed the road,” she said. “It used to be a Friday night speedway. They would go out and have bush parties and then come racing with trucks and cars. Now, thankfully, that’s gone, but they still come on foot in roving packs from time to time, smashing things and throwing whatever ... stupid stuff.”
Langer said she recently completed renovations on her home and was incensed to see the damage to her siding.
“I’m furious. I’ve had it with them. These are not acts of desperation by homeless individuals or junkies stealing property for their next meal or their next fix,” she said. “These are privileged, spoiled and bored brats who drink and hang out at the middle school when the nights get warmer, then make their way down Garrett Road, destroying whatever is in easy reach.”
Police have been made aware of the problem, she said, and told both her and her neighbours that it’s crucial to call the police as soon as they spot trouble.
“They said we should have called them right away,” Langer said. “That’s their only hope of catching them.”
Langer said she and her neighbours plan to do just that.