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OREM — A rash of car vandalisms has led the Orem Police Department to beef up patrols in the northeast part of the city.
Officials believe the series of vandalisms were caused by someone shooting out the windows of numerous cars with a pellet gun, according to Orem Police Lt. Craig Martinez.
So far this year, about 20 car windows have been shot out.
For the victims of these crimes, the repairs can cost hundreds of dollars on average.
In the last week, the city has been hit usually in the late evening and early morning hours by “some people driving around shooting out car windows,” Martinez said.
Now, police hope that video taken from a home surveillance system of the vandals caught in the act will put this crime spree to an end. The video shows the passenger of the car point what appears to be a pistol out of the window before the car drives away.
Police believe the car in the video may be a four-door passenger Kia, Martinez said.
“We are hoping people will keep their eyes out for this car late at night or early in the morning,” he said.
In a couple of instances, windows of buildings and home have also been shot out. Police fear an armed homeowner could potentially return fire in self-defense, Martinez said.
“Let's say you hear something and then glass breaking and look out to see and see what looks like a gun sticking out of the window of the car, the kids could possibly be hurt,” Martinez cautioned.
While police said the motive for this crime is a simple thrill, the case is currently a top priority with detectives.
“We want people to be able to go to bed at night with their cars parked in front of their homes and wake up be the same way they left it,” Martinez said.
Police said if the vandals are caught they will not only face serious charges but also be on the hook for the restitution for the damage they caused to property.
Anyone who recognizes the vehicle in the video is asked to contact the Orem Police Department at 801-229-7070.
