VANDALS have struck several public amenities across Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens, as presented in a recent audit at the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association meeting on Monday 17 July.

This issue has been a priority concern for locals for weeks, as vandalism has spiralled out of control.

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The worst-hit location has been the public toilet block on Moira Parade, which should be available for families and fishermen, but has been cordoned off by MidCoast Council because of damage.

“All toilet pans, hand wash basins, toilet cisterns and pipework were damaged,” council was told on Friday 21 July.

“Council is filing a police report and investigating options for vandal-proof fittings and fixtures; the duration of the closure will depend on material and contractor availability,” the meeting heard.

Not only did vandals wreak havoc inside, they tried to set fire to it.

There has been conjecture the vandalism may be related to a TikTok social media trend, where attention-seeking simpletons are ‘challenged’ to destroy and steal as much public property as they can, the goal being to garner as many ‘likes’ as possible.

Other toilet blocks, including adjacent to the Hawks Nest Community Centre, have also been hit, adding to the already deteriorating condition of many amenities around town.

The Port Stephens-Hunter district police says the vandalism is being investigated.

“We are well aware of people capable of these acts who are living in the community, and are following up on leads,” Chief Inspector Skelly told News Of The Area.

“Malicious damage is a criminal offence, and anyone caught will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

By Thomas O’KEEFE