Posted on Wed, Sep. 01, 2010

Pismo Beach police are investigating a rash of vandalism that happened between 3 and 4:15 a.m. Sunday along Shell Beach Road and caused about $1,500 in damage.

The suspects ripped up irrigation lines, damaged planters and benches, and pushed over large cement trash bins, which had been hand-painted and decorated by local artists, said police Sgt. Tom Portz.

Reports of damage came from 10 different locations from the 300 block to the 1500 block of Shell Beach Road.

“We’re still canvassing the area asking questions,” Portz said.

Paul Schiro, chairman of the Shell Beach Improvement Group, noticed early Sunday morning that the bins had been knocked over and that some had been rolled down the street.

“Those things weigh 250 pounds apiece, and they’re concrete,” said Schiro, owner of Central Coast Kayaks. “It’s not like you could just push them over with your foot.”

The trash and recycling bins were painted about a year ago, he said. The Shell Beach Improvement Group had raised the money for artists and materials, solicited sponsors and celebrated the completion of the project last fall.

Anyone with information can call Pismo Beach police at 773-2208, or report tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 549-7867, online at www.slotips.org, or by text message to 274637.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction in the case.