Police ramp up efforts as Silver Lake tire slasher continues spree

SILVER LAKE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Police and city officials are stepping up their efforts as the so-called Silver Lake tire slasher continues their spree in the neighborhood.

Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell and LAPD officials on Thursday night walked a couple of blocks with residents.

"First time it was one tire, second time it was two tires, and it's a brand new car so I've been replacing all these brand new tires every time I get hit," said resident Robby Mueller.

Police say since early October, there have been 20 reported incidents of tire slashing on three streets.

"We believe it's an act of one person. We're using surveillance, we're using extra patrols and some other techniques I'm not going into," said LAPD Capt. Jeff Bert.

"We will catch the person who is doing this. They will be caught and brought to justice," said O'Farrell.

Residents say one of the first incidents happened in the carport of an apartment complex near the intersection of Golden Gate Avenue and Effie Street. They're upset because the slasher keeps coming back to do more damage.

"There's a lot of paranoia. It's very frustrating. One of my neighbors had all four of his tires slashed at one time," said Vanessa Gray.

Seven new street lights have been added in recent weeks as part of the effort to stop the crime spree.

"I really hope it happens soon because I don't want to pay any more money and I'm sure nobody else wants to," said Mueller.

So far police say there are no suspects.