Was is absolutely right, but the only difference a conditional caution would make is that the police might have recorded it as a conviction, which could cause problems, but not in your case as it was so long ago. Criminal damage is filterable, and once the filtering changes take effect, all youth cautions, reprimands and warnings will be filtered, regardless of the offence. Nice to have some good news for once.... 

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If you are to punish a man retributively you must injure him. If you are to reform him you must improve him. And men are not improved by injuries. (George Bernard Shaw)

Was it a simple caution or a conditional caution? (Although with this length of time I don't think it really matters)

I suspect it would qualify for filtering unless it was damage involving arson or explosives

https://hub.unlock.org.uk/knowledgebase/filtering-simple-guide/

However, if you don't think that answers your question you may want to contact the Unlock helpline.

Hi,

I was given a reprimand in 2007 (when I was 14) for criminal damage. Will this show up on Enhanced DBS with barring check? It was dealt with at the police station and I didn't have to go to court or anything like that.