Long Beach Residents Targeted by Vandals Destroying Christmas Decorations

Vandalism in East Long Beach

• 💔 Residents in East Long Beach are expressing frustration over vandals who are destroying Christmas inflatables and other holiday decor.
• 📍 The incidents are concentrated in neighborhoods near El Dorado Park, with multiple homes targeted within blocks of each other.

Impact on Residents

• 😭 One resident, Cat Via Real, described the shock of finding her inflatables deflated and punctured, with one sentimental inflatable being stabbed and dragged.
• 💸 Residents emphasize the time, money, and energy invested in their holiday decorations, which are often not easily replaceable.

Suspects and Evidence

• 📹 Home security cameras, including Ring video, have captured suspects, appearing to be juveniles or teenagers, riding on what neighbors believe to be a red e-bike.
• 🔪 The vandals are seen slitting inflatables with knives and dragging them on the ground, causing significant damage.

Community Response and Police Action

• 😔 Residents feel hurt and upset by the vandalism, noting that the suspects seem to find the destruction amusing, which is not funny to those affected.
• 🚓 Long Beach Police have been notified, and a call for service for increased patrols was made on December 20th, though initial reports of vandalism or theft were unable to be located by officers at the time.
• ✨ Despite the damage, some residents are considering replacing the decorations to maintain the holiday cheer for the neighborhood children who enjoy them.