Crime & Safety

Police Investigate Rash of Storefront Vandalism

Multiple shops on Miller and Sunnyside have had their windows shattered, and police suspect the use of a wrist-rocket or slingshot.

Michael Rose, owner of , arrived at work at around 7 a.m. last Tuesday and found his front window shattered. Upon further investigation, he found a metal ball bearing about the size of a small marble between the two panes of glass, and the damage was estimated at $500.

“It’s been decades since we’ve had something like this happen,” Rose said.

He wasn’t alone.

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Police are investigating a rash of at least seven cases of vandalism over the past week similar to that committed on Rose’s business, including as recently as Wednesday night, when the Thrifty Wash at 393 Miller Ave. had its window shattered, according to Police Detective Ryan Smith.

“We believe that some sort of wrist-rocket or slingshot is being used which may account for the damage,” Smith said.

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None of the business suffered any losses and police said they don’t believe the vandalism was used as a way to gain entry to the stores.

“We believe these are just random acts of senseless violence,” Smith said.

The first batch of incidents was reported Feb. 8, when a string of businesses along Miller Ave., including and a small office building, reported that their windows had been shattered. ToyHouse owner Kristen House said it will cost more than $1,600 to replace the window and two storefront signs.

"This is really creepy to be happening in our little town," she said. "And it really hurts small businesses."

There was also a report of glass shattered outside city limits. Marin County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the at 15 Shoreline Hwy. at around 2:45 a.m. Saturday after an employee cleaning the restaurant heard glass shatter in the dining room.

Deputies were unable to locate any suspects and did not find any object inside the restaurant to indicate how the vandalism occurred. The damage in that case was estimated at $400.

The Thrifty Wash and a parked car on Molino Ave. were both vandalized in a similar fashion Wednesday night, Smith said. Each of the incidents within city limits have occurred on weekday nights, Smith noted.

If anyone sees anything suspicious in the area around Miller Ave., police ask that they call 415.389-4100. 


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