Vandals target Trapper Creek

TRAPPER CREEK -- Thieves smashed the windows of more than 24 vehicles parked along the Parks Highway and Petersville Road last Sunday, according to a press release from Alaska State Troopers.

The perpetrators made off with car stereos, a .44-caliber Colt Anaconda pistol, and a Browning shotgun that troopers described as "unique," and a few other hand guns. Some vehicles had grill damage and cables cut in order to disable alarm systems, according to troopers. The thieves also stole one vehicle from a spot at Mile 17 Petersville Road and abandoned it at mile 12, according to troopers.

"They got it stuck and then abandoned it," Trooper Ted Norris said. Most of the vehicles were parked while their owners were on snowmobile trips in the area, but one car was broken into in the driveway of an area home, according to Norris.

Troopers are seeking information from anyone else whose property was vandalized or stolen last weekend in the area. Traceable items like hand guns and car stereos might help troopers catch up to the vandals, according to Norris.

"We're still getting descriptions and identifiers from people for their stereo equipment," Norris said.