Business owners tired of vandalism in Palm Springs

It’s the kind of vandalism that could have really hurt someone.

A string of BB gun shootings Sunday night in Palm Springs included at least two businesses, a buzz trolly and an unoccupied car.

The owner of Mona Lea’s Design Center said this isn’t the first time his store window was broken.

“This is the second time in two months,” Jim Long said. “Nothing was stolen, but this is starting to become a nuisance.”

Just up the road, was a similar scene at The New York Company restaurant.

Multiple BB pellets were fired at the front windows.

Police also found a parked vehicle in the same area with similar damage.

Another report came in about a Buzz trolley being hit by two BBs.

Monday morning police said there are at least three more locations vandalized on the north side of town.

Steve Hoffman was in the area and heard the shots.

“Just a lot of popping sounds. It sounded like a lot of firecrackers going off,” Hoffman said.

Whoever did this apparently had nothing better to do.

But Long said this vandalism is becoming too frequent and too expensive.

He said if he knew this would be a problem he might not have opened his business there.

“I think Christopher Kennedy’s, they got broken into not too long ago. If I remember right their computers were stolen and that’s in the past six months. The hair salon, the window was busted out and their computers were stolen,” Long said.

Now he said he’s not taking any chances.

“I’m gonna have the security cameras installed as soon as possible. That’s really the only thing you can do. I’m sure the police have better things to do than watch over people’s businesses all night long,” Long said.

Until then, he’ll just wait for his window to be fixed, which isn’t going to be cheap.

“Board-up is between $300 and $400 and the window itself is about $1,300.

If you have any information about this case call valley Crimestoppers at 760-341-STOP.

Tips can remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward.