Maintaining a fleet of buses that transport area kids to school safely is a big job. But, that job becomes incredibly difficult when those buses are damaged from vandalism.

According to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, the vandals first struck on June 23 and over the last few weeks have damaged buses seven different times at the Student Transportation of America storage lot at 3188 D 1/2 Road.

The most recent incident happened on Wednesday (July 7) around 1:30 a.m. and included four buses with windows, headlights, and emergency exits damaged. Total damage from all the vandalism over the last few weeks has topped $10,000.

In addition to vandalism at the bus storage lot, vandals also broke a window at nearby Chatfield Elementary.

The vandalism suspects are believed to be middle or high school aged and the Sheriff's Office is asking for help identifying the people involved. In addition, residents or people who travel in the area, are asked to notify police if they see unusual activity including vandalism at the bus lot or school.

Reports about these incidents can be given to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 241-7867, or through the website www.241stop.com. You can also text a report to CRIMES (274637) and start your message with 241STOP.

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