A Lilydale family has been left distraught after five teens ruined their Christmas display in the early hours of Friday morning.
Police received reports of damage to property in and around The Gateway Estate in Lilydale at about 2am on 8 December.
Local police units were supported by Polair and the canine team to arrest the five males at about 5am.
Among those were a 16-year-old, two 15-year-olds and two 14-year-olds. They have been interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
Lilydale CFA member Kieran said the brigade reached out to the family to see if they could support them in any way.
“They came to our open day, so we would like to be able to help because they supported us,” he said.
A member of the family impacted took to social media to warn others that their lights and decorations may also have been damaged.
Having hoped to bring joy and smiles to others by opening up their garden for people to look at the decorations was destroyed in just a few moments.
Kieran said from what the family mentioned, they confronted the teens but the five of them continued to destroy the display.
Unable to afford to fix or replace the lights and decorations, the family said it is “beyond heartbreaking”.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
