Family conference for shop vandalism

A 14-year-old boy who caused thousands of dollars worth of damage after etching business windows in New Brighton Mall is to be dealt with through a family group conference.

A 12-year-old boy was also apprehended.

The pair were caught causing the damage the night before Anzac Day on CCTV footage.

The footage showed them etching each window in a matter of seconds before heading onto the next.

A New Brighton Mall business owner, who did not wish to be named for fear of retaliation, said she did not think being dealt with by Youth Aid was enough.

"Not really. He needs to be held accountable for his actions. He knew exactly what he was doing. He knew exactly the cost of what he was doing."

"There's too much regulation and paperwork to hide behind. The system protects them."

She felt there should be harsher penalties for youth.

"These youth are allowed to do whatever the hell they want. There's no consequences. There has to come a time that enough is enough."