One local couple is frustrated about the consistent vandalism of their Springfield Township property, and are not going to sit back and accept it. They’re speaking out.
When Pam and Rob Aughe were looking to relocate to Michigan from Philadelphia because of Rob’s job, they looked at places like Rochester Hills and Lake Orion, but were most impressed with the Clarkston area, its schools and sense of community.
‘We just loved this house and neighborhood and community,? Pam said. The Aughes, who have two children, live in a subdivision off Bridge Lake Road.
After relocating last April, they quickly became involved in local happenings — attending special events, joining organizations like the Clarkston Women’s Club and the Mom’s Club of Clarkston, and enrolling their eldest son in Funshine early elementary. Getting involved helped the family meet new people.
‘I like to be involved in different things in the community. I think it is important to be involved in the community and give back,? Pam said.
Unfortunately, in the past year they’ve seen a side of the community they didn’t expect and are quite unhappy about.
‘It all started last summer when we woke up to find someone had thrown toilet paper rolls at our home and decorated our trees,? Pam remembers. ‘We figured it was just kids and let it go.?
But on a different date, the Aughes had parked a car for sale on the street in front of their house. It was shortly egged. And then, someone placed a sign on the vehicle telling the Aughes to move their car.
‘I respect someone’s opinion,? Rob said. ‘But come to my door and tell me face-to-face to move my car. There are no signs that say I can’t park on the street.?
Most recently, someone drove, what appears to be golf carts, on to their lawn, leaving tread marks.
‘We see kids travelling around on these golf carts, so we assumed that’s what happened. But that set me over the edge. That was the last straw for me,? Pam said, who has also found beer bottles trashed in the yard and too often sees a driver disregarding the speed limit.
Rob and Pam feel it may be harmless pranks by local teenagers but find it disrespectful and unacceptable behavior.
‘It may seem like simple and petty stuff, but if you think you can get away with one thing, and then another, when does it end?? Rob said. ‘Is this (vandalism) the norm here? I’m not comfortable with that.?
The Aughes did not file police reports for any of the incidences. Rob said he felt it pointless to do so. ?(The police) will just write it down and place it in a file. That doesn’t do it for me.?
Sgt. Frank Schipani of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in Springfield Township said when crimes of this sort are known, police patrol can be stepped up.
‘They need to report these things because we can’t have extra patrol if we don’t know about it.?
Schipani said any information can help in locating a suspect, such as information on a suspect vehicle. ‘We need to have an idea of what we’re looking for,? he said. ‘I wish people wouldn’t be so reluctant to call us. All crimes need to be reported even if you don’t have a suspect. We need to know so we can give extra attention to it.?
Schipani said in the last couple of weeks there has been an increase in vandalism. ‘They come in spurts.?
He said a large percentage of the crimes are done by juveniles. ‘Either they are grudges or a group of kids on sprees. If it’s not revenge it’s an entertainment thing. Typically, they are short-lived (crimes) or they (the responsibles) lose interest.?
Rob said, ‘We’re an easy target because we’re on a corner property.? The Aughes say they don’t take the vandalism personally.
The couple are curious to what will happen next to their home. Do they need to be concerned with the safety of their children, pets and visitors to the home, they wonder?
Mostly, the Aughes want the parents in their subdivision to be aware of the potentially dangerous behavior of their children.
‘If my kid did this,? Rob said. ‘It wouldn’t happen again.?
And they hope speaking out opens up the lines of communication within their neighborhood, which they feel is suffering.
‘People don’t take time to care about each other and watch out for each other,? Pam said.
‘The problem is we moved from a very friendly neighborhood in Philadelphia,? Rob said, who was born and raised there.
The vandalism hasn’t gotten to the point where they Aughes would consider moving. ‘There’s an awful lot of good in this community,? both feel.
But they are hoping to see an end to the vandalism. ‘It’s uneasy,? Pam said. ‘Especially if he’s (Rob) travelling for work. I’m in the middle of the country. I should feel comfortable in my home.?