Vandals cause $18,000 in damages to Portage Township Trustees’ office

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Vandalism, theft and burglary has caused the Portage Township Trustee’s Office in downtown South Bend around $50,000 in damage since moving into their current location less than two years ago.

The most recent incident came with an $18,000 bill to repair the office AC unit, which was stripped of its copper piping.

A man was also recently caught on camera throwing a cinderblock through the office window, reaching in and then stealing a TV from the lobby.

Despite an increased police presence, security cameras and floodlights, the problems persist.

The South Bend Police Department says they’re looking into the rash of break-ins and damages through their property crimes unit.

Township Trustee, Jason Critchlow, is asking for anyone who witnesses vandalism or damage to the area to speak out and coordinate with police.