Vehicle vandals cross state borders

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - March 7, 2008 "We're estimating the cost of damage is in the area of $40,000," Sgt. Louis DeShull of the West Chester Police said.

It's a staggering number caused by what might have started out as mischief and is now a serious crime wave.

Over the past week, vandals have used a BB gun to shoot out car and truck windows in and around West Chester. More than 100 have been hit.

In Delaware, vandals have blown out windows on about 75 vehicles in /*Newark*/ and New Castle County.

/*West Chester*/ police are now comparing notes with police in Delaware.

"At this point, we're not able to link the occurrences in West Chester with those in /*New Castle County*/ and the town Newark, but we're in contact with those agencies and we're exploring those possibilities," Sgt. DeShull said.

Police were able to eliminate a van, caught on surveillance in parking lot where vehicles were damaged; the owner of the van has come forward and has been ruled out.

Police are now convinced that witnesses saw the suspect's vehicle around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday morning on West Nield Street. It was a light colored, mid-sized, four door SUV.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police.