Paul Oberin, from Paul’s Ski Shop, said the law was protecting youths who had damaged his Thomas-Mitchell Drive business six times in two years.

The latest incident saw tags spray-painted on his shop front on December 12.

The incident was caught on security cameras and footage was passed on to police but Mr Oberin said no one had been charged.

“I used to say that the police need to come down harder on them, or the judge needs to, but their hands are tied,” he said.

“Police are doing what they can, the magistrate is doing what he can, but these kids are just too well protected.

“The politicians really need to change the laws to come down harder on these kids.”

In June, two bricks were used to smash through a front window of Paul’s Ski Shop.

Two jackets were taken — one a $600 limited edition garment.

Mr Oberin said it was one of a string of attacks on his shop that prompted him to spend almost $30,000 trying to protect it.

He recently invested $10,000 on installing shatter-proof glass.

“I’ve got $5000 worth of hard drives to record the 16-odd cameras I’ve got,” Mr Oberin said.

“The cameras are $500 to $600 each, then installation of them, and the uninterrupted power supplies and security lights I’ve had to put in.

“I reckon I’ve spent close to $30,000 trying to beat these kids.”

Sgt Chris Grimmett, of Wodonga police, said the officer dealing with Mr Oberin’s complaint was currently on annual leave.

He said he couldn’t comment on the case specifically but said police were doing everything within their powers to stamp out vandalism.

“It’s an ongoing issue with regards to graffiti and with property being defaced, and we actively investigate and prosecute offenders,” he said.

“I would urge anybody to come forward to report people they see doing such things.”