With summer days waning, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office is asking neighbors and neighborhood associations to be vigilant after a rise in overnight vandalism.
Several neighborhoods in St. Michael and Albertville have been hit recently, including the Big Woods area, the Highlands, and homes near Highland Park, including the home of a current Wright County Deputy.
Mailboxes have been damaged, cars have had change and other valuables removed and garage thefts have been reported.
St. Michael resident and Wright County Sheriff Joe Hagerty said vandalism and small thefts are often the biggest problem areas for residents during the summer, and residents of Wright County communities should work closely with deputies to try and curb the issue.
“A lot of us live in the neighborhood, too, so we don’t want to see it happen. But it’s a matter of kids getting out and doing the wrong thing,” Hagerty said.
There are a few steps residents can take:
1. If you have been vandalized, report it immediately, no matter how big or small you might think the damage is. Contact the Sheriff’s Office via the non-emergency line at 763-682-1162 to get a hold of a dispatcher who will send out a unit.
2. If you see something suspicious and catch someone “in the act,” do not hesitate to call 911.
3. Wright County has a no-tolerance curfew policy. Persons under the age of 18 cannot be outside after 10 p.m. during the week and 11 p.m. on weekends. If you see minors out after curfew, contact the sheriff’s office at 763-682-1162 and the juvenile will be picked up and returned home.
4. Do NOT keep valuables in vehicles. This includes laptops, iPods, phones, CDs or even change. And it’s a good idea to remove your garage door opener if and when your car is parked outside. Cars parked outdoors are easy targets particularly in suburban neighborhoods after dark.
