Cedar Rapids vandalism, theft spree tied to spring break, police say

Police on Tuesday warned the public about an increase in vandalism and theft they believe coincides with spring break.

From Friday evening into Tuesday, officers took 26 criminal mischief reports involving damage to vehicles and homes. During the entire week before that, only 15 criminal mischief reports were made.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said vehicle windows were shot out in the 600 to 800 blocks of 18th and 19th Avenue SW, the 4900 block of Kesler Road NW, the 5900 block of Sharon Lane NW and the 200 block of West Post Road SW. Vehicles and homes were spray painted in the 500 to 700 blocks of 19th to 21st streets SE and the 1900 block of Fifth Avenue SE, she said. Also, vehicles were keyed in parking lots in the 400 block of Collins Road NE.

Also, 19 vehicle thefts were reported over the weekend and into Tuesday, compared to 19 all of the previous week, Hamblin said. She said most have been reported in the 1900 to 2500 blocks of A to E avenues NE, between 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. GPS units, stereos, MP3 players and various medications are among the items that have been stolen.

Burglaries have also increased slightly in Cedar Rapids, police said. The locations have been random, but officers are discovering that rocks and cinder blocks are being used to break windows and get inside.

Police encourage residents to be alert for suspicious activity. If anything suspicious is seen or heard, or a crime is being committed call 911 or (319) 286-5491 to report it to police. Some of the most valuable information is a description of the suspects or any vehicle they may be using, Hamblin said.