Sue Kiesewetter reports
A rash of vandalism in parts of Liberty Township has officials working to increase Butler County sheriff’s patrols in targeted areas.
Residents in the Eagle Ridge subdivision brought concerns to trustees this week after some families experienced more than one incident in the past several weeks.
Ramakrishna Kesireddy said vandals put mustard on his garage, threw eggs on his door and spread detergent on his driveway in the first incident.
More recently, a rock was thrown into his basement window, shattering the glass and damaging drywall.
“The response is very good (by Butler County sheriff’s officers) but the outcome is zero,” Kesireddy said.
Others complained of obscenities spray painted on streets, mailboxes and other places.
Even the Lakota Family YMCA was hit. Aquatics director Sara Matchison spoke of a minor incident where flower pots were thrown into a pool but also two incidents where money and keys were stolen. Items have also been stolen from locked lockers.
Lt. Lance Bunnell, who heads the sheriff’s office Liberty substation, said patrols are increasing.
“For some of the incidents we have persons of interest,’’ Bunnell said. “There are some things we’re doing in your neighborhood.”
He declined to elaborate further on tactics being used to stop the vandalism.
“This stuff runs in spurts. It’s kind of a cyclical thing. It’s just an ugly situation right now,’’ said Trustee Pat Hiltman.
“Keep your eyes open and report anything to the police. They’ll catch them. It’s just a matter of time.”
Hiltman predicted that some of the vandalism would end once school begins later this month.
