As someone whose house was vandalized last weekend, I wanted to expand a bit on Karla's Email below with some more information.
First, I'm less concerned about catching who vandalized my house than preventing a potential ugly situation if a homeowner was woken in the middle of the night and a confrontation ensued.
My "surveillance system" caught the "perps" on time-lapse video - see below or click here to view
This is real life, not CSI, so it's not possible to "zoom/enhance" the video to ID 'em beyond just three shadowy figures ... but I would agree with the police department that probably teenagers in the neighborhood and/or nearby.
They initially showed up at 1:10 AM (Sunday, 1/23) and walked up to the front of my house - I'm pretty sure this is when they ripped down three of my four house numbers next to the garage. My family was sleeping and didn't hear 'em ... so unknown if they "tested" the front door.
They then continued walking West Bound on Blue Heron circle (out of view) but then return heading East Bound on the street at 1:23AM.
At 1:36AM, they show up again heading West Bound ... but stopped next to my driveway light next to the sidewalk ... and basically tear it out - I never did find it despite looking the next day. Another person tears out the 2nd lowest driveway, but leaves it on the ground where I found it the next morning. They then continued West bound.
So that's a half hour of "loitering" near my house and I'm sure they spent time elsewhere walking around the 'Hood. Which raises the question did anyone happen to see 'em - there was one car that drove by at 1:18AM. And as Karla says, might be worthwhile to ask your kids if they know of anyone that goes out for late night walks just to "hang" - three people walking around at 0-dark-30 is pretty conspicuous.
While TP'ing or "Egging" a house is one thing (yes, I did this as a kid ... and you better believe my parents made me go clean it up when I was caught), this was wanton vandalism. So while fortunately only minor damage on my house and "stuff happens", very sad to see.
alek
Two driveway lights ripped out - one taken away ... was Home Depot closed?!?
Three of four house numbers were removed and taken away
Blue Heron said the following on 1/27/2011 1:54 PM:
Hello Residents:
Please be advised that there have been recent reports of vandalism in the community to owners personal belongings. The Lafayette Police Department has been contacted and they feel it is more and likely older kids that reside in the neighborhood. If you have older children please ask them if they have heard of friends or acquaintances who may be bragging about the mischief and vandalism.
Also, if anyone has seen a black gazing ball (decoration) the owner has asked that you please return it to 2500 Blue Heron Cir. As it was taken from their yard.
Please be alert and report an suspicious activity to the Lafayette Police Department.
Thank you,
Karla Sanders, Community Manager