Perhaps it's just a nasty case of spring fever, or, more likely, a complete lack of respect for others, but vandalism is on the rise in Estevan.
Over the past couple months, the members of the Estevan Police Service have been dealing with a marked increase in the number of mischief cases they handle.
Const. Don Dechief of the EPS said their caseload, when it comes to mischief, has increased by 100 per cent, with vandalism largely responsible for that spike.
"There is just crazy amounts of vandalism going on," said Dechief. "And it's random, senseless vandalism."
Although there have been a number of incidents in 2010, two in particular have caught the focus of local law enforcement personnel.
Sometime during the night of April 26 or the early morning hours of April 27, vandals struck at the Hidden Valley Campground.
According to a report from the Estevan detachment of the RCMP, a fire was started in the clubhouse at the recreation complex which is located just south of the city. The fire caused extensive smoke and heat damage to the clubhouse. Several windows were also broken in the facility before the vandals departed.
The other major incident happened sometime during Wednesday night or early Thursday morning at the Civic Auditorium when vandals broke into the arena and caused a significant amount of damage.
The perpetrators broke into the City of Estevan office in the arena as well as the office of the Estevan Bruins during their crime spree. In the City office, the vandals broke items and poured coffee grounds and powdered creamer throughout the room.
The Bruins' office was spared the same level of damage but lost a computer and video camera during the incident. A number of sticks were also taken from the team's storage locker. Those responsible also broke into the concession where they caused further damage and also stole another laptop computer. In the lobby, the glass in the candy machines and junk food dispensers was smashed out and the contents of the machines were strewn throughout the area.
"There was no rhyme or reason," Dechief said of the damage done at the auditorium. "It was significant enough that we called our Identification Section called out and they were there for quite awhile."
Dechief added they have also seen a rise in vandalism on cars and in places such as garages.
"People have been keying vehicles and walking on them,"said Dechief who noted that he and his fellow officers have been surprised by how few items have been stolen during the various incidents of vandalism.
"The amount of things actually taken when there is things taken is nothing compared to the vandalism that has been done. It's almost like what they've taken is what they have decided to do during the course of their vandalism. I don't think their motive has been to take things, it seems lately."
Because of the magnitude and volume of the incidents, Dechief said there is a feeling among EPS officers that someone in the public has likely been witness to the vandalism or may know something about a particular case but is afraid to step forward.
"There is enough of it and it's big enough that I'm thinking it's being noticed and it's just for fear of repercussions or retaliation that maybe people aren't saying anything," Dechief said.
"People have to realize they don't have to give their name and they stand a good chance of getting a reward if there is an arrest made. I think it is being noticed, there's enough cases out there but a lot of our investigations are leading nowhere."
