MONROE — Monroe police are investigating reports of vandals leaving nails in residential driveways and are asking for the public’s help in solving the crimes.

Since October 2022, according to Monroe Chief Fred Kelley, there have been at least a dozen reports of nails being found in driveways. 

“At least twice there were tires punctured as part of this,” he said.

The targeted area, Kelley said, is concentrated around East School Park — or within a couple of blocks, in each direction, from the park. Initially there was some suspicion that the acts of vandalism had a political motive — or were related to political signs — but that no longer seems to be the case.

“We’re still trying to determine a motive or modus operandi,” said Kelley. “The victims are of various ages.”

Not only is the crime expensive for the victim to fix, but it can also cause a blowout, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds, authorities say. Apparently, the problem is fairly common — the Internet is full of discussions about such crimes and how to catch perpetrators in the act.

Kelley is urging anyone who has seen such acts of vandalism or has any further information about the crimes to contact police.