ORCHARDS, Wash. — Vandals are getting more brazen in Southwest Washington as a family has their Halloween decorations slashed and broken for the second time in less than a month.
Last week, KGW reported on the first attacks at four homes in Orchards and Vancouver, which happened Oct. 8.
This latest attack, Oct. 23, happened at a home on Southeast 103rd Way. It’s the same home that had its giant skeleton pushed over and its massive cat inflatable slashed in the first attack.
Wednesday’s vandalism at the Dudash home was caught on surveillance video by the residents, their neighbor and the vandals themselves.
The video shows two young men attacking the giant skeleton and slashing a large inflatable pumpkin that was spared in the first attack. A third man is seen walking along with them, filming the attack, before they all run down the street.
Sophie Dudash said they heard the attack and ran to the door, but the men were gone. She said she saw a suspicious Mercedes SUV drive past her home minutes before the vandalism, but she’s not sure if it’s connected.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office sent two deputies to search the neighborhood, but they didn’t find anyone.
In the earlier attack, at least four homeowners reported decorations slashed or broken. One woman in Vancouver estimated she is out about $1,800. She lost her large skeleton and multiple inflatables, including a large arch.
A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said they still need a plate number or identifying information. Video from the latest attack shows the vandals in masks.
“We’re always going to repair; it’s not going to stop us,” said Dudash, “but, you know, it’s a lot.”
Dudash wants the vandals to realize whom they are really hurting: her children.
“They want to know where the bad boys are, and if they’re going to come back, so it’s very upsetting for them,” Dudash said.
Neighbors are showing their support by encouraging the Dudash family to continue their decoration display.
Dudash said she plans to pay the money to repair her skeleton and decorate it for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She, for one, is not giving up on holiday spirit.