METROPOLIS, Ill.— Metropolis City Police are on the hunt for the person or group of people responsible for slashing tires in a local neighborhood. The vandalism is leaving those living in the area worried their car could be next.

Shanna Walters' boyfriend lives in the Metropolis neighborhood vandals are targeting between North Street and Vienna Street and 10th street and 20th street. Walters' boyfriend's truck was hit twice causing over $2,000 of damage. She says, "We're not the type of people that just have 2,000 dollars laying around to keep getting new sets of tires."

Metropolis City Police say Walters' boyfriend is one of 17 people whose cars have been attacked.
When it comes to suspects in custody, the number falls to zero.  "The nature of the beast makes it hard to prove unless we have an eye witness or some other type of physical evidence left at the scene. We're working it, but these are just hard type cases because of the nature of it," says Metropolis City Police Chief Harry Masse.

Police are also concerned about copy cats who could make this crime spree even worse.

The victims have a message for anyone who thinks it's funny or cool to damage other people's property. Walters says, "Obviously you've never been raised to respect property. Either every thing's been given to you, or you have some grudge against society and working class. I don't know but it's ridiculous and it will stop."

This crime is considered a felony under Illinois state law, because the total cost of damage is more than $300. Walters also insists that she and her boyfriend will press charges against the person or people responsible.

Police urge anyone with information about who may be behind these crimes to call the Metropolis City Police Department at (618) 524-2310.
You can remain anonymous. Ask to speak to a detective or leave a message.