“I would look at several thousand dollars in damage,” said Sean Merritt, an Investigator for the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, as he described one of the recent spray-paintings. In at least one instance, the name ‘Goon Squad’ was tagged on a neighborhood sign. Authorities believe these acts of vandalism are being committed by middle school or high school students. Merritt said, “Typically something like this will involve teenagers that live close by and know their victim, of who they’re damaging this property or who they’re trying to make points to or harass.” And they are looking for information from anyone who may have heard about these crimes, and they are encouraging parents in Ham Lake and the surrounding areas to talk to their children and ask if they have heard anything. He suggests that high school students may have heard about it at school or on social media. “Another point is, and I know some neighbors have taken steps to do this, keeping an eye out for each other, [if you] see anything suspicious, people walking out late at night, vehicles late at night, driving slowly, looking around… If they see that type of activity, call the Sheriff’s Office so a deputy can respond and look into the matter,” Merritt encouraged. In addition to reporting major vandalism, the Sheriff’s Office says that reporting every single crime helps them understand crime patterns and respond more efficiently. “Even the little things, report it to the Sheriff’s Office, because if we see a pattern, and we know where we can provide extra patrols.” If you have any information on the vandalism in Ham Lake, you can call the Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit at 763-767-4664.
Vandalism in Ham Lake Neighborhoods
HAM LAKE, Minn. – (Dec. 3, 2015) – Two Ham Lake neighborhoods have been the victims of repeated vandalism this year. The damage has been to homes, vehicles, mail boxes and yard items. Recently, a home was the victim of extensive vandalism covering the garage, house, and cars.
