Residents are vandalizing each other's cars over limited parking spots due to snow piles
WESTCHESTER COUNTY (WABC) -- Stealing spots after someone shoveled a space or parking too close are the kinds of situations that have frustrated car owners so much that they're taking matters into their own hands in Rye.
A Subaru had a serious scratch along the passenger's side after parking in an apartment complex, which is usually always tight, and was made worse by what's left of a foot of unmelted snow.
"Obviously, because there's so much snow that you know we all park here when there's so much snow and the guys can't get in between the cars," Rye resident Pete Longo said.
Last month's snowstorm resulted in an unusual crime wave of sorts, where at least 6 cars were vandalized.
Besides keying, the Rye police are investigating slashed tires and in one case, a message was painted on a window aying 'you need to leave more room for the middle car.'
Another source of frustration is residents hoarding shoveled-out spots.
"People claiming spots that necessarily weren't theirs because they cleared up the snow, you know, people thought it belonged to them," Chris Salguero with the Rye Police Department said.
Some parking areas, like the Rye train station, have been plowed and most of the snow has been removed, but spaces are narrower than usual.
Much of the vandalism has happened in condo complexes like Rye Colony.
"We love the Rye residents, but I can totally understand people's frustrations at this point. I think it's tough when there's nowhere to put your car," Gianna Messina said.
Police are asking residents to keep their cool during this cold blast.
"If you're having a dispute or an issue with your neighbor, and it's something we can mediate, please call us and let us handle it. Other than that, we encourage all residents to be neighborly and there's no reason to damage other people's property," Salguero said.
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