City of Fresno fixing broken street lights after tire slashings

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Crews were seen throughout the City of Fresno's Mural District Monday repairing lights damaged by vandals. Residents say the broken lights led to a crime spree.

"Good news is we have about 75 percent of the lights on," said City of Fresno Public Works Director Scott Mozier.

Vandals have ripped out the copper wiring from many of the lights.

"Downtown here late at night with no lighting it could bring a lot of crime to the area and businesses like us, been in the area 35 years, we don't need any more crime to occur here as well," said Dan Boyajian with Sam's Party Rentals.

Over the weekend the area was hit with a crime spree. Tires were slashed on at least 15 cars. Theodore Wilson says he noticed the driver-side tires of his car slashed Sunday morning. Wilson says the crooks came back overnight slashing the rear passenger tire too.

"It's kind of sad," said Wilson.

Wilson has lived in Downtown Fresno for three years. He says this is the first time he's noticed any problems.

Public works says they're working as fast as possible to get all the lights repaired. Mozier says some lights can't be fixed quickly because they have to figure out a way to secure the wiring.

The most secure lighting are the tall, modern pole lights but Mozier says the City doesn't have the budget to replace the decorative lamps.

"Street lights are an important part of public safety so we're committed to getting those lights back on and keep them on," said Mozier.

Anyone in Fresno who notices lighting problems can call (559) 621-CITY to report them. If you see someone tampering with the lights, they ask that you call the Fresno Police Department.