Canastota Police make arrests for vandalism to flowers and 9/11 Memorial

UPDATED JULY 15, 2024

CANASTOTA, NY – The Canastota Police Department has arrested four teenagers for their roles in two separate acts of vandalism in the Village of Canastota last month.

Two juveniles, ages 13 and 14, have been charged with one count each of criminal mischief for damaging flowers in the early morning of June 28. The vandalism caused approximately $1,000 of damage to several sets of flowers on S. Peterboro Street and Canal Street.

Two separate juveniles, ages 14 and 15, have been charged with one count each of criminal mischief for their roles in the destruction of lighting at the 9/11 Memorial Park on S. Peterboro Street on June 23. The damage from this incident is estimated at approximately $2,000.

The suspects’ names will not be made public due to their underage status. All four individuals have been released to their parents and their cases have been referred to the Madison County Probation Department.

The village office is working with local businesses to repair the damage to the flowers and lights.

ORIGINAL POST (JUNE 28, 2024)

CANASTOTA, NY – The Canastota Police Department is investigating several acts of vandalism that have taken place in the village over the past several weeks.

On the morning of June 28, 2024 it was reported that several of the flower pots which line the streets downtown were damaged. The flowers appear to have been harmed by individuals walking by and swiping at them multiple times.

Over the weekend of June 22-23 multiple individuals appear to have broken off and smashed three light fixtures which illuminated the rear portion of the 9/11 Memorial Park on Peterboro Street. The lights were pulled or cut from the concrete wall and smashed to pieces on the ground inside the park.

Also, over the past several weeks vandals have damaged the aluminum and chain link fences which surround the playground on Spencer Street, adjacent to the village pool. They have also thrown rocks into the pool and broken pieces of the playground equipment.

Canastota Police are actively investigating these senseless and criminal acts of destruction on our village – damage which will cost thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds to repair or replace. The village has installed security cameras in our parks, but the threat of facing charges does not appear to be a deterrent to these vandals – some of whom are underage.

The Village of Canastota would like to thank the Canastota Police Department, Department of Public Works, Beautification Committee, and Debrucque Greenhouses for their efforts to assess and repair the damage that has been caused. Also, we thank the residents and business owners who have come forward with tips and surveillance camera video. Anyone with any information on these incidents is asked to contact the village office via Facebook or email at village@canastota.com.