Tire vandalism tally rises to 13

Naperville police are continuing to investigate a Halloween crime spree, in which a knife or similar instrument was used to slash and flatten the tires of 11 vehicles parked outside downtown businesses and homes on the city's near west side.

Thirteen tires with a total estimated value of more than $2,000 were ruined during the spree, which investigators believe occurred between the late afternoon and early evening hours of Oct. 31, said police Cmdr. Mike Anders, of the department's public information unit.

The vehicles were parked in residential driveways and near downtown businesses, Anders said. The crimes occurred in an area roughly bounded by Douglas Avenue to the north, Washington Street on the east, Aurora Avenue to the south and River Road on the west, he said.

Five of the vehicles were parked along Jefferson Avenue between Washington Street and River Road, according to a Naperville Crime Stoppers release. Written police records indicated at least three other tires were punctured within a few blocks of one another on Douglas Avenue.

A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the damage.

Witnesses to any of the crimes or those who believe they have other information about the case were asked to call Naperville Crime Stoppers at 630-420-6006. Callers can remain anonymous.