EDITORIAL: Don't let vandals ruin the place we call home

It’s that time of year when beauty is all around. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and grass is greener. It’s a time when we head outside to begin our annual yard cleanup, mowing and raking and weeding. Spring is fresh and full of hope and summer is around the corner. It really is beautiful.

But this is also a time when we see a rise in something far less desirable, something that leaves us shaking our heads in disappointment and dismay, something that needs to stop.

Vandalism. 

It’s happening already. Damaged playground equipment. Flipped over picnic tables. Torn down signs. Broken sprinklers. Uprooted trees. Restrooms are trashed. Spray-painted walls.  

Even Tubbs Hill is not safe from those who wish to ruin it with graffiti on rocks. 

You would think people have better things to do, but unfortunately, some do not. It’s sad, but it’s also an accepted part of life that some have no respect for anyone or anything. They find a strange, perverse joy in destroying what belongs to others. 

As they generally hide in the darkness or strike when no one is around. It’s difficult to stop. 

The city does its best to repair and clean up the messes left behind by those bent on creating an ugly world. We know police officers will do all they can, but they can't go it alone.

The public can help. 

If you see someone vandalizing something, report it to police. If you come across damaged property in parks, let the city know. If you find garbage dumped out on a sidewalk or a lawn, pick it up. 

We do not encourage you to confront those causing trouble. Leave that to authorities. 

Let’s not allow the stupidity of some to ruin this beautiful place we call home. Let’s do our parts to take care of it. We may not be able to prevent vandalism, but we can certainly wipe away any signs of it.