Vandals strike North Phoenix community

An otherwise peaceful, North Phoenix community has been apparently targeted in a repeated series of vandalous acts. The Dynamite Mountain Ranch Community, off Interstate 17 and Jomax Road is on high alert after vandals went on a recent crime spree, resulting in the destruction of property. The community is a blend of residences and vacation rentals. 

“The first time I saw the graffiti, I was really upset because we have lived here since 2005, and we've never seen that," homeowner Jackie Crofts said in an interview with local area CBS television station.

Reports indicate a wave of graffiti on park walls, mailboxes, utility meters and even buses set aflame. A lamppost was knocked over at a nearby park and electrical cords were severed. CBS reported “62 feet of curbing ripped up and turned into a campfire pit.”

Local residents Kimberly Grubich and Preston Hall told the network they would like to think it’s only a few teenagers, but the severity of the vandalism has them second guessing the conventional theories.

"They always say they think it's kids being kids, just messing around," Grubich said. "But obviously, the fire thing is a bit scary being really close to home."

“It doesn't seem like there is any point to vandalize your own neighborhood," Hall told the network. "This is where we live."

For the moment, Phoenix police don’t have any concrete investigative leads to follow, but police are making inquiries and seeking out homeowners who have security camera to see if there was any captured video that could offer some clues.

Right now, Phoenix police don't have a lot of leads to go, but it's possible a homeowner has some security camera footage that might solve the case. Crofts wants them caught before they do any more damage.

“I think it's a nice family neighborhood, and we'd like it to stay that way,” said Crofts.

Anyone with information about the vandalism can call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151.