Pickles Auctions was the target of what appears to be teenagers searching for fun in any way they see fit – regardless of the consequences to hard-working members of our society.

To dig under an electric fence, break in to a premises and damage 25 vehicles is not a lapse in judgment – it’s a serious criminal offence and, when caught, those responsible should be punished accordingly.

It seems stealing and torching residents’ cars across the city is not exciting enough for some of these delinquents.

Now, they have to up the ante to get their kicks – to the tune of more than $100,000 of damage.

The police have done a tremendous job keeping some of these repeat young offenders in check with Operation Assure, but are they being let down by the court system?

It is all too easy for someone to be given a light slap on the wrist for common law crimes, such as damage to property.

And there are too many loopholes for defendants to escape punishment.

The Young Offenders Act has been deemed successful in its aim to reduce the number of young offenders ending up in custody, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

The Act has done what it was legislated to do, but now it’s time to strengthen it as it seems youngsters have realised they can get away with a number of offences before being in serious trouble. 

In certain circles, stealing and burning a car could be a rite of passage – a proof they have the intestinal fortitude to make it with the big boys.

It’s a risk a lot clearly see as one worth taking. We need to adjust the risk-versus-reward ratio.

A first offence could still be handled in a similar way. A second should see the parents punished in some way – this could be a financial hit or a custodial sentence for neglecting the acceptable upbringing of their offspring in modern society.

A teen who commits a third offence should be treated like an adult with their prior record considered.

Of course, more can always be done to educate and lay pathways to avoid antisocial behaviour in the first place.

No one wants to see a young person throw their life away for a stupid, impulsive act.

But no one wants their property maliciously damaged, either.