By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

Niles police are asking for the public’s help in sorting out a rash of incidents including vandalism and motor vehicle break-ins taking place in and around the city in the last couple of weeks.

“We don’t have a whole lot on that right now,” Capt. Jim Millin said Thursday afternoon.

Millin estimated a total of 16 incidents reported resulting in approximately $4,000 to $5,000.
“Obviously somebody knows who is responsible,” Millin said.

While they ask for any information from the public, police have stepped up their coverage of city streets.

“We have stepped up the patrols on midnights,” Millin said.

Police have advised residents to keep a watchful eye, report any suspicious situations or vehicles in their neighborhoods that look out of place or are out of the ordinary.

The incidents were not committed along any pattern, Millin said, but very random and he added he didn’t feel residents should panic.

“Periodically we run into a rash of them,” he said.

Though warmer weather can sometimes lend itself to the possibility for additional incidents, Millin said citizens shouldn’t panic but simply take precautions, locking their vehicles and being aware of their surroundings.

“Certainly as it gets warmer out, people who were bored are out trying to find ways to cause trouble, I think,” he said.

Police are used to handling those incidents, however, he added and stressed the need for anyone with any information to contact the police department immediately.