Vandalism reported throughout downtown Idaho Falls over the weekend
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Several downtown Idaho Falls businesses and residents are reporting damage following what appears to be a series of vandalism incidents over the weekend.
Photos and reports shared on social media show shattered business windows, destroyed potted plants scattered across sidewalks, and damaged streetlights in different areas of downtown. Some of the businesses affected include Great Harvest, Idaho Mountain Trade, Medical Recovery Services, Smith Driscoll & Associates, and others. Now, several business owners and managers are seeking answers on what caused the downtown disturbance.
"It's just frustrating," Skyler Berry said, the marketing manager of Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe. The beloved spot suffered extensive damage to its potted plants outside the front doors. "We pay a lot of money to have Four Seasons potted.... I just hope that they are found, apologize, and make it right. They did a lot more damage to other downtown businesses, and so it's more just hard to see your neighbors and, you know, downtown get destroyed."
Daniel Bonney, manager of Idaho Mountain Trading, described the shock of seeing his store's window displayed shattered as disappointing and deeply upsetting.
"I got a picture of it right away, and my stomach immediately was sick and very, very upset, as you can imagine," Bonney said. "But we've been through this before. Unfortunately. And it would be nice if the person could pay for the damages, since this is, I think, the ninth broken window we've had since we've moved into this building."
The full extent of the damage around downtown Idaho Falls is still unknown.
Local News 8 is working to confirm the official reports filed with the Idaho Falls Police Department, including when they can begin an active investigation into the damage and locate a suspect.
See Something? Say Something.
Jessica Clements with the Idaho Falls Police Department strongly encourages any downtown business owners with damage - regardless of extent - to file a report (services for filing online can be found here). Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity downtown over the weekend—or who has security camera footage, photographs, or other information that could help identify who may be responsible—is encouraged to report it to the Idaho Falls Police Department. Security camera footage, Clements emphasized, could help investigators quickly identify a suspect in the weekend's vandalism.
The Idaho Falls Police Department's non-emergency dispatch number is 208-529-1200.
Anyone witnessing a crime in progress or an emergency should call 911.
Local News 8 will continue working to learn more about the reported vandalism and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
