Police investigating ‘indiscriminate spree’ of vehicle window-smashing in Vancouver

Vancouver police are investigating what they describe as a “completely indiscriminate spree” of vehicle vandalism impacting at least 100 cars on the western side of the city.

Police said reports began pouring in about smashed windows in the Marpole, Fairview Slopes and West Side areas between Wednesday and Thursday.

In a Friday press conference, Sgt. Steve Addison said he expects more victims to come forward as they take their first glances as their vehicles parked outside.

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“What started as a few reports throughout the day, even into today, has increased from just few to a hundred if not more,” Addison said.

“We’re going to be pouring a lot of resources into this because it’s quite likely that the damage that’s been caused is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars-range.”

Addison said it doesn’t appear anything has been stolen from the vehicles, but rather, someone simply walked alongside streets “indiscriminately smashing windows of parked cars.”

“Pure and simple, indiscriminate destruction of property,” he said.

1:51 Police investigate ‘indiscriminate spree’ of vehicle vandalism in Vancouver

No suspects have been identified, but police were in affected neighbourhoods Friday interviewing residents and collecting relevant security, cellphone and dashcam footage.

Security footage shared with Global News appears to show a suspect tapping the windows of a parked vehicle near Granville Street and West 70th Avenue on Thursday around 3 a.m.

Victim Flora Du said she found her car smashed in on Thursday morning and didn’t think it was an accident. She was able to cover the windows before rain could damage the interior, she added.

“We’re lucky. Everyone should have insurance, but still I have to pay the deductible amount — $300,” Du told Global News.  “It’s terrible … it’s not right.”