CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Residents in the Salisbury neighborhood in Chesterfield woke Friday morning to find the aftermath of a rash of vandalism had spread throughout the neighborhood.
Smashed mailboxes, toppled road signs, and some stolen property were reported to the Chesterfield Police Department.
Small acts of vandalism are nothing new in the neighborhood, according to those who live there, but they have not seen damage this widespread in quite awhile.
“The number of signs and mailboxes escalated to a level that we are not used to here,” said Rhett DuPont, Vice President of the Salisbury Homeowner’s Association.
DuPont drove through the neighborhood of over 1,600 homes this morning and estimates repairs will cost thousands.
Word has been spread through the homeowner’s association email chain asking for anyone to come forward with information if they noticed anything suspicious late Thursday night. Chesterfield Police are investigating and have stepped up patrol of the area for now.
“If I understand correctly, the police want to have somebody to make an example of,” said DuPont.
Chesterfield Police said they see an increase in this kind of vandalism whenever schools are out for the summer. The best way to protect yourself from this kind of vandalism, police said, is to call them as soon as you notice something suspicious.
For some living in the area, Thursday night’s vandalism has caused more than just damage; it has caused apprehension.
Joe and Betty Krute have lived off Salisbury Road for more than 25 years. Friday, they were expecting to get their will back from their lawyer in the mail.
The Krute’s mailbox was pushed over in Thursday night’s spree.
“I don’t know if they’re going to deliver my mail or not,” said Krute. “I don’t know if I should stand out there and wait for the mail person.”
Like many in the neighborhood, the Krutes feel these vandals went way out of line.
“I think they should go to every house they did and apologize and pay for it,” said Betty Krute.
