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Downtown Los Gatos Hit By Wave Of Vandalism

LOS GATOS (KPIX 5) – Known for being a playground for Silicon Valley techies, Downtown Los Gatos has been hit by a wave of vandalism. Over the past month, several businesses have been repeatedly targeted by vandals who are shattering storefront windows.

Police say vandals are using something similar to BB pellets.

"They're bullies. That's what they are, they're bullies. They come out with whatever they have and they're just going to damage," said Mary Guercio, owner of Out of the Envelope. "They could care less about stealing, they just want to damage. and make everybody's life miserable."

Guercio said her store was hit Sunday night. The repairs and lost merchandise set her back at least $2,000. "What happens is all the glass shards go into the clothing and we have to throw everything away," she said.

That same night, vandals hit Hult's Restaurant around the corner. It's the third time this month.

"We came in and I saw small, little rocks on the ground and broken windows so someone probably drove by and either used a slingshot or a pellet gun," said restaurant owner Alexander Hult.

Hult said he also spent $2,000 to replace his glass panels.

Los Gatos Cafe down the street had to do the same. Last weekend, the café's back door was shot out.

Guercio is now considering installing security cameras.

"It's clearly somebody that has nothing better to do," she said. "I don't know why they decided on this store, and hopefully even after having this interview they don't pick on me again, but I'm not afraid of them."

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