LATHROP, Calif. — Law enforcement in San Joaquin County is trying to put a stop to a surge in BB-gun-caused vandalism cases. The majority of them are happening in Lathrop, where Paul Manley has lived for seven years.
His grandson and neighbors became victims Sunday night.
"I walked down the street and there was two other cars that had damage also, windshields and the driver's doors," said Manley. "My next-door neighbor... he said his daughter's car had a broken driver's window and a couple of dents in the door."
A few dents and cracks might seem minor, but expenses add up quickly.
"Probably looking at $1,600 or so for both windows," said Manley who added that his grandson has yet to get his own quote to replace the window. "They're pretty expensive, the windshields especially."
Manley and his next-door neighbors aren't the only ones dealing with the issue. Officers at the Lathrop Police Department posted to social media Monday reporting an "upsurge" in vandalism caused by BB guns.
"We right now have confirmed 17 different incidents," said Lathrop Police Captain Tracie Shea. "Nine of which have happened since Monday."
Police in Manteca posted to social media about BB gun vandalism recently too, asking for help finding the people responsible for damaging the window of an ambulance parked on Tinnin Road. No one was injured.
"I'm a teacher and I'm also a mom and seeing this video right here which is very close to my residence, I'm scared for my kids walking to the park," said Judith Tuddao, while on a regular walk down the street where the ambulance was hit.
According to the Manteca Police Department, the city is seeing an increase in BB-gun vandalism as well with at least two cases reported in the past two weeks.
"We know that this really impacts our community," said Shea. "It's important to us that we find the person responsible and make sure they stop."
Shea says a team of officers is now looking into the vandalism cases and seeing if any are related. Anyone with security camera video is asked to contact investigators.
Manley and his neighbors are now on high alert, hoping the case gets cracked before any more windows.
"Just watch out," said Manley. "You can't be up all day and night watching your vehicle but it could happen."
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