Builder frustrated by vandalism

The owner of a townhouse development under construction in downtown Georgetown is so frustrated with the vandalism he's been experiencing there he's put up a $2,000 reward in the hope of catching whoever is responsible. Nick Ferraro is building a 27-unit freehold townhouse development-- Village Terraces-- fronting onto James and Wesleyan Streets and has had to contend with thousands of dollars worth of vandalism. Ferraro said since he began building the homes about a year ago an excavator has been spray painted on the site, six doors on homes under construction were kicked in, his son's dump truck was broken into and a fire extinguisher was set off in the interior, a box of nails was thrown on the road in front of the development, and 12 rolls of copper wire were stolen. When asked how much money he's lost from the vandalism, he said it would be "depressing if I thought about that". "It's a daily occurrence," said Ferraro. "So far, thank God I haven't had any damage inside the houses." Ferraro said over the summer he had a security officer working nights at the site, which helped the situation, but he has since left. "I've been trying to replace him. It's not easy to find somebody," he said. Ferraro said he's contacted Halton Police numerous times to report the vandalism, but said they have told him there's nothing they can do. However, Det. Const. Sue Bedard of Halton Police said in fact police are doing something to combat the increased vandalism in the area. "The officers are aware of the damage in the area," said Bedard. "It is an identified problem area." Bedard said police have not identified the person(s) responsible, but have implemented extra patrols and stops of people in the area. She said the area has experienced an increase in car entries and damage such as rocks thrown through windows. "It seems to be malicious," said Bedard. Last May steel benches were tipped over, interlocking stone was pulled up and shrubs were uprooted at nearby Remembrance Park. Despite police efforts, Ferraro has decided to take matters into his own hands and is offering the $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person or group of people responsible for the vandalism. He's urging anyone with information to call him at 905-877-8963.