Vandals key 60 cars in South City Rash of car keying hits South San

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Mar 15, 2007 | by Kelly Pakula

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO -- Police are scratching their heads, trying to figure out who is responsible for keying more than 60 cars over the last three weeks.

Police were swamped with phone calls from residents Tuesday after 10 cars were keyed in the city's downtown area, Sgt. Joni Lee said.

Between 60 and 100 cars have been keyed, and Lee said it is happening all over the city. The culprits are causing thousands of dollars in damage by dragging keys across the paint and metal bumpers of parked cars, Lee added. She said some scratches can be buffed out but others are too deep, permanently marking the car.

Police are having a difficult time identifying a suspect, as it appears more than one person may be responsible. Lee added that damage is being reported all times of the day.

"We don't know if it's one person or a whole group of people," Lee said. "We really are at a loss right now as to who's doing it."

Lee recommended people park their cars in well-lit areas and be aware of their surroundings.

Anyone with more information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the South San Francisco Police Department at (650) 877- 8900.

Staff writer Kelly Pakula can be reached at (650) 348-4339.