VANDALISM IS A SENSELESS CRIME

Recently vandals struck the Cape Rock Park -- ruining carefully planted and tended flower beds. Members of the American Legion help maintain the park, which includes a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River. Over the years, volunteers have added trees, flag poles and flower beds.

But vandalism has continually plagued the isolated park. Why? It's a burning question for Herb Nance, one of many volunteers who tend the park. He can understand the recent storms that ripped through the park and uprooted three large trees. But he can't comprehend vandals who broke off every single bloom from the stems.

In this case, vandals have damaged public property, a park. So all should join in the hunt for these criminals. That's right. Vandalism is not just a prank, it's a crime. It is punishable by fines and time in the city or county jail. The crime itself is called property damage, and if the damage hits a certain dollar amount, the crime becomes a felony.

The community can help put a stop to such vandalism by participating in the Southeast Missouri Crime Stoppers. Information that leads to the vandals can also earn the tipster some cash. Individuals who call the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline with information that leads to arrest are eligible for a reward. The number is (573) 332-0500.

Crime Stoppers has helped crack several cases in the region, including the arrest of four men accused of shooting an Old Lorimier Cemetery caretaker and the arrest of a man accused of a string of burglaries targeting elderly homeowners.

Crime Stoppers can help crack cases big and small. All it takes is a phone call from an anonymous tipster. But even those without information can help by keeping their eyes and ears focused on city and county parks.

It's time to stop the senseless vandalism by showing these criminals that public destruction of property will result in swift and harsh penalties.