Shortly after 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Sequim Police officers exited their station to find 10 tires had been slashed on six patrol vehicles.

Sgt. Dave Campbell estimated the cost of the damage to be in excess of $1,300, which includes the cost of new tires and the charge for destroying old ones.

"It’s unfortunate that the suspect (or suspects) thought that anyone other than the taxpayers were hurt by this senseless, ignorant crime," said Campbell.

"We’re lucky that we didn’t have a serious emergency to respond to while getting the cars repaired."

Campbell said it is a class B felony to render a police vehicle out of service.

The officers are investigating the vandalism but have no concrete suspects.

In 2007, the Sequim City Council approved the installation of Sonitrol cameras to be monitored by the Sonitrol security agency, but the police department was not included in the list of facilities to receive the security upgrade.

"That surveillance system is being used on buildings and facilities that are not manned 24/7," said Crime Prevention Officer Maris Turner.

"What we’re hoping for is information from the community, like anyone who may have been walking their dog or driving by and saw someone in that area at that time that may help in our investigation."

Those with any information regarding the incident are encouraged to call Turner at 683-7227.