AN ACT of vandalism on an empty property has left a young mum’s home in ruins. The ground floor of Marie Claude De Bourgonniere’s house was devastated after pranksters flooded a neighbouring property on the Courtil St Jacques Estate.

‘It’s upsetting,’ said the 32-year-old States housing tenant.

‘Whoever was behind it obviously didn’t think about the effect it could have on us.’

Miss De Bourgonniere was at home with her three children, Laurelle, 7, Daniella, 6, and Etienne, 4, when water started to seep through the lounge walls just before 9pm on Wednesday.

After checking kitchen appliances she called a neighbour – a plumber – for help.

‘We heard the sound of dripping and noticed a hose had been shoved through the ventilation shaft of the empty house next door.

‘We looked through the window and it was completely flooded.’

The police, Fire & Rescue Service and Housing services were called.

Miss De Bourgonniere’s kitchen lino and lounge carpet were ripped from the floorboards. The housing inspector stayed until about midnight to help clean up the mess.

Housing Department minister Dave Jones was furious with the culprits.

‘This mindless act of vandalism is typical of what is destroying the fabric of Guernsey at the moment,’ he said.

‘What possible satisfaction could you get from flooding an empty property? This affects people on the waiting list and the person whose house was occupied.’

Housing promised to help Miss De Bourgonniere as much as possible.

‘I hope these people are caught,’ he said.

‘There was a lot of water damage inside. I think it’s time these morons who go round damaging other people’s property were financially responsible for the damage caused.’

Police have been informed and Housing is seeking prosecution of the perpetrators.

Miss De Bourgonniere said the department had been helpful, providing her with dehumidifiers for the damp.

‘Housing is as much a victim of this as we are.’

She did not know whether she would stay in the house or moved to a new one.

Residents of the estate said it has been trouble-free recently, though it suffered from a spate of damage to cars and egg throwing last year.