Vandalism spree spans region

A rash of vandalism has hit towns across the Lakes Region.

While its unclear if all the cases are related, property owners in the communities of Laconia, Belmont, Meredith, Tilton, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Franklin and New Hampton have seen their property damaged, destroyed or defaced over the past several months.

It appears that vandals are using BB guns to shoot at cars, businesses and, in some cases, residences. Cases not involving BB's have also been reported.

Authorities are say the acts appear to be random.

They are uncertain how many individuals are responsible for it.

Late last week, Laconia Police Department issued a press release stating that the city was recently targeted.

"Over the course of the last few weeks the Laconia area has once again been hit by a rash of criminal mischief complaints," the press release says. Most of the damage was to vehicles and business windows, and appears to have been caused by a BB or pellet gun, it continued.

Cpt. Kevin Morrow of Meredith Police Department said most of the vandalism in his community has occurred after dark between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

In one case he said 16 vehicles were damaged in one day.

The cost of the damage has ranged anywhere from $200 to $2,000 per incident.

Morrow said police have a few leads on some suspects, but not enough information to press charges.

He added that its tough to charge vandals for all the damage they have caused because of a lack of hard evidence. And a confession on the part of the criminals is unlikely.

Morrow said the region has had its share of vandalism before, but nothing this widespread and which has gone on for such a long time period.

Some of the police departments in the region are working together to stop it.

Anyone with information about the crimes are encouraged to call police in their community. The Greater Laconia Crime Line is 524-1717. Callers can remain anonymous, and rewards up to $1,000 are offered for information that leads to an arrest or conviction.