Disgusting graffiti attack scares neighbourhood

THERE'S petty vandalism and then there is this.

Brazen vandals caused around $5500 damage to a public housing residence in Toolooa on the weekend.

Swear words and phallic symbols were seen by children in the neighbourhood, causing one mother to blast the culprits.

Offensive, explicit and misspelt profanities were on view at the Javelin St property for two to three days, with residents incensed at the damage.

Ann-Marie Touson said the act was "despicable".

"It's just very scary," she said. "Imagine if a woman had been alone in that house at night when a criminal saw that on the road?

"It's despicable and childish behaviour."

For several days an arrow pointing from the bitumen to the driveway claimed "free r**t".

While the relationship between the occupant and the offender was unclear, it is believed the two parties were known to each other.

Clean-up costs were paid for by the Department of Housing and Public Works, and Gladstone Regional Council was left to finance the removal of the graffiti on the road.

A representative from the office for Housing and Public Works said that while such vandalism was uncommon in Gladstone, the cost repairing the damage was a burden on the department's budget.

"In cases where properties have been damaged by members of the public, the department works closely with the Queensland Police Service to have those responsible held accountable."