North Austin Vandals Are Shooting Out Car Windows

Vandals armed with BB and pellet guns have been causing a stir in one North Austin neighborhood for months.

Since September 1, Wooten residents have reported 15 incidents of car windows being shot out. The Wooten neighborhood is located north of West Anderson Lane between Burnet Road and Highway 183.

And while police have upped their patrols in the area, the vandals are proving to be elusive.

“Since it all has happened in the evening, we have kind of hit a brick wall in finding out what’s going on,” APD Detective Bing Lowe told Patch. “At this time we have limited information.”

The police may not have a solid lead, but they are pretty sure they know how the vandals are operating.

“Just because of the way it’s been happening, a couple on the same street, it looks like they may be driving up the street and shooting out the windows,” Lowe said.

If caught, the vandals could be in serious trouble. They would face charges of criminal mischief, which, depending on the damage they caused, could result in jail time and fines, Lowe told Patch.

Lowe said that due to the incidents occurring entirely in one neighborhood, local residents have become alert of the vandalism.

Police are suggest neighborhood residents keep their porch lights on to make it appear as if someone is outside and to park their cars in a garage. If Wooten residents see a suspicious vehicle, the police are encouraging them to take down the license plate number or a general description of the vehicle.