The vacant Marshall Street house was targeted yesterday afternoon, with a toilet and cistern ripped out, causing a water pipe to rupture, damaging a new $7000 kitchen.

Water flooded the front half of the home to a depth of seven  centimetres destroying new carpet.

Kickboards in the kitchen were kicked in, stove elements stolen and a heater control panel taken.

Police estimate $800 in goods were stolen and at least $4000 of damage caused.

If the new carpet needs to be replaced, that bill will be higher.

But Sgt Wal Larkin said the real victim was the family who would have moved into the home.

“It’s going to cost a family a roof over their head,” he said.

“There’s a lot of money going into public housing in Wodonga.

“And because of this stupid act, it’s going to cost a family a place to stay.”

Police believe two to three people entered the house, between 1pm and 3.30pm.

Officers dusted for fingerprints and conducted a doorknock of nearby homes yesterday afternoon.

“Any information would be appreciated,” Sgt Larkin said.