Blue Springs neighborhood fed up with vandals

Neil Isaacs woke up to the sound of knocking early Tuesday.

It was the police.

The side window of his truck, police told him, had been shot out with what appeared to be a pellet gun.

It was one of about eight similar incidents that happened along and near Mic-O-Say Drive early Tuesday morning, according to police.

And it was just another similar incident in a long line of incidents that have plagued Isaacs and his neighbors.

“This is the second time (these juveniles) have done this to my car,” Isaacs said. “And it happens all the time around this area.”

The universal problem of vandalism committed by juveniles is nothing new; some would say it’s part of living in the suburbs. New issue or not, the problem still upsets Isaacs, who wants the local police department to do something about it.

The incidents along Mic-O-Say Drive join other related incidents across the city during the past several months. In most cases, homeowners have reported smashed vehicle and home windows, slashed tires, ransacked cars and trucks; along with the damage is some thefts, typically electronic equipment and money. Earlier this year, approximately 17 separate reports were logged with the department early one Sunday morning after cars were found vandalized.

“It’s gotten to the point where we can’t even protect our own property out here,” said Isaacs who, at one time, considered starting and directing a local neighborhood watch program.

Isaacs has seen windows shot out, mirrors busted off, eggs thrown at his and his neighbors’ cars. His tailgate was smashed in with a pumpkin one year.

“I guarantee you that if I leave my car on the street for two or three days, something is going to happen to it,” he said. “It’s got to stop.”

Police Chief Wayne McCoy said the problem is there, but that a remedy is not so simple and, unfortunately, is often left to the residents.

“We always take concerns such as these seriously,” McCoy said. “But there is not always a way to resolve neighborhood vandalism without the help of neighbors who may know who did the vandalism – our citizens are our best help in solving these crimes.”

Isaacs thinks surveillance cameras might help, but such cameras invade the privacy of neighborhoods, said McCoy.

“This is not something that would work well in the residential areas because they would cause privacy concerns, not to mention be beyond budget,” he said, adding a good quality surveillance camera costs about $6,000.

Partnering with the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, the department purchased two cameras this year to place for crime observation. The cameras are currently being tested in the city’s parks, McCoy said. The cameras were purchased using drug forfeiture funds (or money from drug investigations awarded to police by law) rather than through the city’s general fund.

There have been efforts made so far this year with patrolling

The city concentrates its bike patrol, surveillance, and marked car patrol in areas following reports of concerns made by residents. The department also has a “street crimes” unit that looks at specific neighborhood concerns about potential drug or alcohol problems.

This spring, the department doubled the size of its bike patrol to nearly 20 trained officers this year. 

“The patrol is especially good in parks,” McCoy said. “At events like the Fall Fun Fest, neighborhoods and large retail parking areas, it works great.”

In 2007, the patrol made 55 misdemeanor and six felony arrests, along with two DWIs.

In the meantime, police advise residents to keep a watchful eye on their  neighborhoods. For instance, when getting up at night, look out windows and, if any suspicious activity is noticed, notify police immediately.