by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (June 06/97) - RCMP say they can do little about the latest rash of vandalism in the city.

Youngsters under the age of 12 are among those responsible for smashing windows and causing thousands of dollars in property damage, said Staff Sgt. Dave Grundy.

"Legally, there's nothing we can do because they aren't considered young offenders," he said.

Police are bound by the Young Offenders Act, which covers those who commit crimes between the ages of 12 and 18. Children who haven't reached their 12th birthday can't be charged with criminal offences.

"These kids know what they're doing," Grundy said. "It's not like they're three years old. It's a glitch in the Young Offenders Act that they can walk scott free."

And, said Grundy, the kids aren't stupid. "They know there's nothing police can do."

"Some of these kids are actually good kids, but for whatever reason, they are doing these random acts of vandalism."

Often from textbook "good families," these kids seem to have no reason for doing the damage.

The youngsters are only part of an increase in vandalism since the warm weather began. Grundy admitted this year is no worse than others, and continues to be quite a problem.

RCMP suspect that vandals shot windows in the Finlayson Drive area Tuesday night with BBs and pellet guns, causing hundreds of dollars in damages.

Also, damage to vehicles and boats at the city's garage this week adds to the list of vandalism reports the RCMP and municipal enforcement are investigating.