By STEPHEN BEALE
Goffstown News Correspondent
 

GOFFSTOWN - Nearly 30 cars at a small dealership on Mast Road were vandalized recently, and police are still looking for suspects.

James Harris, the owner of Harris Certified Auto and Truck Sales, said that a number of front and rear car windows appeared to have been damaged by a BB gun over the night of Tuesday, April 22, at his 197 Mast Road business.

He estimates that about a third of the 65 to 85 cars he normally has in stock were affected.

The previous night, Harris said a car window was smashed in. Harris said he was surprised at that kind of vandalism in Goffstown.

“It’s kind of a disturbing trend,” Harris said. “I don’t know if it coincides with school vacation week or not.”

Harris said the damage will not have a serious effect on his business, describing it as more of an annoyance than a crippling financial blow. But soon after the incident he issued a warning to other businesses to be on the alert. He also asked the vandals to stop. “We’d really appreciate it if it wouldn’t happen again,” Harris said.

The Goffstown Police Department confirmed that it had received a report of vandalism at the business. Sgt. Dave Rivard said local authorities do not have suspects and have yet to determine if rocks or something else damaged the windows. He said the department is not aware of any other incidents on a similar scale occurring last week.

As of Tuesday, April 29, Harris said there has not been any more vandalism at his place. “All’s been quiet,” Harris said. “We’ve just stepped up our security procedure.”

Harris said he has been leaving his lights on later at night, blocking the entrance so intruders cannot drive into the property and has repositioned some of his security cameras. He said the perpetrators have not been identified. 

On Tuesday, no further information was available from the Police Department. Harris now suspects the two-day vandalism spree was simply an isolated incident.

Reproduced by the Goffstown Residents Association.