A string of vandalism hit Tellico Village last Thursday in what John Cherry, Tellico Village public relations manager, said was likely the “most widespread” act of vandalism to hit the Village.
“We’ve had cases of vandalism over the years, but this is probably the most widespread one,” Cherry said. “It was on several streets. It wasn’t just one street or one area.”
Jeff Gagley, public works director for Tellico Village, said he agreed it was the most sweeping wave of vandalism to take place in the resort community.
Vandalism to mailboxes, Christmas decorations and other items occurred mostly in the northern end of the Village, Cherry said.
“We understand from Loudon County Sheriff’s (Office) that they had approximately 100 calls,” he said. “Mostly it’s mailboxes being smashed or knocked off their posts and some Christmas decorations being destroyed, that kind of thing.”
Mailbox vandalism isn’t unusual this time of year, but the number of boxes that were vandalized was atypical, Loudon County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Patrick Upton, an investigating officer, said.
“We have those sometimes,” Upton said. “A group of kids get out, somebody come up with the idea, and they’ll start doing it. Usually it’s just 10 or 12.”
Gagley said public work crews worked all day Friday to make repairs, noting that work would likely continue through the early part of the week.
“I’d say it will take another day or two,” Gagley said. “Some of the mailboxes we have to have parts made for. My vendor is working hard on that. ... We’ll be working Tuesday or Wednesday for sure.”
Because the vandalism was done not only to homes, but to some of the lights at entrances to Village neighborhoods, and because the vandalism was so widespread, Gagley said repair work may not fall on the homeowners.
“Generally that is billed to the homeowner, but I’m looking at it right now because it’s so widespread and so much vandalism — I’m thinking of eating the cost in the public works department to lessen the pain of the vandalism,” he said.
Cherry said he has encouraged anyone who suffered property damage as a result of Thursday’s string of vandalism to contact Loudon County Sheriff’s Office.
“I’ve just been referring Villagers to the sheriff’s office today to the nonemergency number so they can report it,” Cherry said. “... Of course, any information the Villagers can give to the sheriff’s office about when it could have occurred, that helps as well.”
Upton said that mailbox vandalism does not amount to a federal offense but can still be a felony charge depending on the age of the suspect.
“We’ve had some in the past and developed suspects on them and charged them,” he said. “If it’s a juvenile we’ll try in juvenile court. If it’s not, if it’s an adult, they could be charged with a felony. What kids don’t realize is they think it’s a joke at a time, but it’s
not. ... Even if you’re 16 or 17 years old it can cause you problems. I don’t think kids realize how serious it could be.”
Patrols have been increased temporarily in Tellico Village, and the investigation is still open. Upton said those who committed the vandalism likely will not return to victims’ homes.
“It’s usually just a one-night thing and to be honest when you do it just one night it makes it harder to solve,” he said.
Upton said if anyone has information about who may have committed the crime they should contact the Sheriff’s Office.
“If anyone has any idea of who committed the crime or can give us suspects they can call and they’ll remain anonymous,” he said. “We do take it serious and investigate it just as we would a burglary. ... We don’t have any suspects at this time, but we do take it serious, but when you have that many it adds up into some money, and it’s hard for people to get those put back it. It’s time consuming, and it’s expensive. They could be charged with a felony.
“... Really, at the end of the day, it’s bad that this tears something up that belongs to somebody else and caused them time and money,” he added. “It’s really a bad thing to do. ... It’s just a senseless act. There’s no reason for it.”
