VANDALISM, BREAK-INS ON RISE IN JACKSON THIS MONTH

JACKSON, Mo. -- Vandalism and vehicle break-ins are on the rise this month, police said.

So far in June, over 30 reports of property damage and thefts from yards have been received from residents, Capt. Robert Hull said. This is much greater than the typical occurrences of property crimes that take place each summer, he said.

Most of the damage involves mailboxes. Cars are also being broken into, and thieves are stealing stereos and compact discs, Hull said.

Police believe the incidents in Jackson are connected to one another and are pursuing some leads. However, Hull sees no link between Jackson's property damage problems and a high number of vandalism reports this week in Cape Girardeau.

"They have experienced a lot of vehicles having their windows shot out with BB guns," he said. "We haven't had that."

Police are asking residents to report any suspicious activity to the department.