Damaged shopfronts included Bargain Base, Abbey Footwear, Yass IT, Full Circle Serenity and Carpet Court.

Late on July 16, Yass police officers discovered that at least four businesses along Comur Street had been targeted. A fifth was reported after.

Shopfront windows and overhanging business signs were smashed or dented, needing repair.

Alison Brennan, Yass Police Inspector and officer in charge, said it was “perplexing as to why anyone would want to do that”.

“There are no reasons for it,” Inspector Brennan said.

Pam Staines, owner of Full Circle Serenity, now has to cover around $500 in an insurance excess payment, she said.

She called the smashing spree “a lack of respect for people’s personal property”.

Sophie Tierney, an employee at Carpet Court, said the whole event was “just really disappointing”.

CCTV footage in the vicinity showed two males, who were tracked and identified by police through persistent investigation and assistance from the community.

The Wagga Wagga men, 29 and 35 years old, were arrested around 5.30pm on Tuesday July 17 at a local motel.

The older of the two men, who police allege was the main offender, was charged with four counts of malicious damage and is set to appear at Yass Local Court on August 17, 2018.

The younger man, who police say was an accomplice to the offence, was issued with an infringement notice.

Yass Police continue their appeal for any witnesses between 10.30pm and 10.45pm on Monday, July 16.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Yass Police Station (6226 9399) or Crime Stoppers NSW (1800 333 000).