FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
Neighbors in one southeast Fresno neighborhood are on the lookout for the person, or people, responsible for damaging more than 70 cars.
People in the area of Chestnut and McKinley found their tires had been slashed, or their cars scratched overnight.
And they're frustrated because they say police aren't helping them catch the culprit.
A neighborhood kid found a screwdriver on the street and began alerting homeowners Saturday morning.
"He was going around the neighborhood telling people their cars had been vandalized. Tires cut, cars scratched. I called the police, unfortunately their hands are tied. There are too many major crimes for them to come out to something like this," said Mike Lewis, who lives on Normal Avenue.
It's a big deal for people living in the area. Replacing tires, or fixing scratches will cost them each hundreds of dollars.
Neighbors say this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to crime on their streets.
Stolen cars, home break-ins, and graffiti are becoming the norm here.
"It's an unsettled feeling, not letting your kids play in the backyard, not knowing what can happen at any given time," said Gilbert Altamarino, who lives in the neighborhood.
Dwayne Garabedian has lived there for 25 years and says he's had enough.
"I'm going to stay up later and load two guns instead of one. I'm tired, I'm old and retired, I can't afford to replace these tires. What else am I going to do to defend myself?" said Garabedian.
Several neighbors say they called police to report the vandalism, and were told to file reports online.
