Burlington police say BB gun vandalism on the rise

There have been two dozen reports since Jan. 1 of car windows being shot out by a BB gun in Burlington, city police say.

Investigators are asking for assistance from the public with the ongoing investigation and are offering a cash reward for information.

An increase in BB gun vandalism began in October, the Burlington Police Department said, with the biggest increase this month. Some of the vehicles had one or two windows damaged, while other vehicles had up to five windows damaged.

The amount of damage has ranged from less than $500 per vehicle to more than $2,000 per vehicle. The incidents have occurred in all parts of the city, with no specific area targeted more than another, police said.

Burlington police said surrounding towns also have received similar reports.

Two incidents recently were reported on Front Porch Forum, a Vermont-based neighborhood email community discussion group. On Jan. 16, the driver's side windows and rear view mirror were shattered on a vehicle parked on Southcrest Drive. Then on Monday, a car on Richardson Avenue was shot six times with a BB gun, causing "significant damage to the taillight, bumper, and body of the car," according to the forum posts.

The Burlington Police Department's street crimes unit, with help from detectives, has put together a strategy for investigating the incidents, increasing the amount of resources being put into the investigation, the department said.

Police are looking for anyone who might have security cameras that could have captured any of the incidents on video. Police also are offering up to a $1,000 cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of whoever is responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call Burlington police Sgt. Brian Labarge at 540-2269. To make an anonymous report, contact Champlain Valley Crime Stoppers at 864-6666.

Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com.

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