North Aurora police investigating mailbox vandalism

North Aurora police are investigating about 15 incidents of vandalism that occurred early Friday morning in two subdivisions.

And they are urging people to call police anytime they hear or see something suspicious — no matter how insignificant it seems.

Mailboxes and lawn statues were knocked over in the Banbury Ridge and Fox Valley Country Club Estates subdivisions on the east side of town.

People started reporting the damage at 6 a.m. Friday, said Lt. Scott Buziecki.

Two of the victims told police later Friday they had heard or saw a group of people in the neighborhood around 2 a.m., Buziecki said. But they didn’t call the police.

“Had they called, we could have scoured the area,” he said, and possibly prevented further damage.

Buziecki said people often feel that what they hear or see is too insignificant, or that it would be a waste of police officers’ time. Police don’t see it that way, Buziecki said. “Officers are getting paid whether you call them or not,” he said. And as for concerns your call about odd noises will pull them from more serious work? Don’t worry, Buziecki said. “We want to get the word out there. We’ll figure out the priorities,” he said.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call Sgt. David Fisher at (630) 897-8705, ext. 758.

Buziecki also provided a few tips for discouraging vandals and thieves:

Ÿ Keep outside lights on overnight, or use motion-detector lights.

Ÿ Be aware of people unknown to the neighborhood, people where they don’t belong and suspicious noises.

Ÿ Keep belongings and your vehicles inside your garage. If you must keep them outside, remove valuables and lock the doors.