Bethalto Police Department investigating vandalism to business equipment

The internal damage of one piece of equipment where one can see the gear shift torn out. The internal damage of one piece of equipment where one can see the gear shift torn out. Photo: For The Telegraph Photo: For The Telegraph Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Bethalto Police Department investigating vandalism to business equipment 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

BETHALTO — The Bethalto Police Department is investigating what appears to be labor-fueled vandalism to equipment belonging to Drake Excavating & Construction sometime late Friday or early Saturday.

Vandals spray-painted words like “rat,” “scab” and “Trump” with an X through it on the Charleston, Illinois-based company’s property. Owner Dennis Drake said the company was in Bethalto for a job when the vandalism took place.

The business posted 13 photos of the damage to its Facebook page Monday, offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Lt. Craig Welch of the Bethalto Police Department said the call came in around 3 p.m. Saturday, when owners discovered the vandalism.

“All of it was their heavy equipment,” Welch said. “Windows were broken and some internal damage was done as well.”

Drake said there was extensive damage done inside and out.

“There was graffiti on all of the equipment saying ‘Union Strong’ along with anti-Trump and Rauner signs,” he said.

The vandals went as far as to cut fuel lines and ripping a door off of one of the pieces of equipment.

“We don’t have an exact number of how much repairs will cost,” said Drake. “But I’m guessing it’ll be around $20,000 to $25,000 worth of damage.”

If anyone has information, call the Bethalto Police Department at 618-377-5266.

Reach reporter Kelsey Schulz at 618-208-6452.