Southwest Michigan community on high alert after a rash of vandalism

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich – Residents of three southwest Michigan communities are on high alert after a recent rash of vandalism.

The Baroda-Lake Township Police Department which covers the village of Baroda, Baroda Township and Lake Township says five incidents of vandalism hit their community.

The five incidents included three homes and two mailboxes being damaged.

“We had a projectile thrown through our window sometime overnight and got up in the morning and had a big hole in the window,” Baroda resident and vandalism victim Jim Jakobs said.

Baroda-Lake Township Police Chief Shawn Martin said it’s the first time he has seen vandalism so widespread.

“This is the first time we had where the houses were actually damaged by breaking the glass with a projectile thrown inside,” Martin said.

Investigators are piecing together the incidents in an attempt to solve the crimes.

“At this time we really don’t know if it’s connected to the mailboxes or not, it could be an issue where it could be throughout the county,” Martin said.

Investigators are asking the public for help.

If anyone has any information they’re being urged to reach out to the Baroda Lake Police Department or to call crime stoppers at (800) 342-Stop.