TWO youths aged 14 and 16 have been arrested after vandals smashed their way into homes at the Olympic Village on Portland causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Damage was caused to buildings in the award-winning Officers Field development, which housed hundreds of athletes and officials during the Games.

They are now empty and waiting to be sold.

A number of properties under construction on Castle Road were targeted and although nothing was taken, the offenders caused extensive damage to the outside of the buildings.

Two youths aged 14 and 16 have been arrested in connection with the offence and released on bail. Police are now appealing for information from the community.

Craig Bates, project manager for developer ZeroC, said it was a ‘malicious and mindless’ crime.

He said: “Four or five of our properties were targeted, the burglars tried to force open the front doors and garage doors.

“They didn’t manage to get inside because the houses have been built so securely.

“The doors were damaged in the process, some of the frames had been crowbarred.

“It’s mindless and there’s nothing worth breaking in for because the houses are empty.

“I think it was malicious and they were trying to break in to do more damage.”

Mr Bates added: “We want to see the culprits brought to justice.

“We would appreciate any assistance from the public that would help the police and lead to a successful prosecution.

“The total cost of the damage is around £6,000 and now there will be a time delay for the development.”

PC Steve Morris of Portland police said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have seen this incident take place, or may have information regarding those involved to contact police as soon as possible. This callous crime has caused an untold amount of disruption to the building firm working on the site.

“They have not only had to foot the bill to repair the damage, but have also had to pay for security to guard the site until March.”

Portland Mayor Councillor Sylvia Bradley said: “This has been a positive project for the island and it’s absolutely disgusting that someone has done this.

“It’s ridiculous and disgusting to break into any building, whether someone is in it or not.”

Anyone with information about the attack is urged to telephone Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 18:414 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Olympic Project Scooped A Top Accolade

ZeroC’s Officers Field development at Osprey Quay, Portland won the prestigious Housing Project of the Year award at the Building Awards 2012.

The Building Awards are considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of the construction industry.

Dorchester-based ZeroC completed the build of the 77 homes at Officers Field, Osprey Quay, earlier this year and leased the homes to the London 2012 Olympics to be used as the athlete’s village for the Olympic sailing events.

More than 600 athletes and officials were housed in the village for both the main Olympic events and the Paralympics.

Now the Olympics are finished, 19 of the houses are being transferred to Magna Housing Association and the remaining 59 are being sold privately.

Details of the homes that are still available can be found on the Officers Field website officersfield.com