APPLETON — Appleton police say they have identified the vandals who damaged multiple businesses over the weekend firing slingshots into windows and property.
Police credited license plate readers with playing a key role in solving the case at a time when the technology has come under increased criticism by privacy advocates.
In a social media post, the Appleton Police Department said Tuesday that they had identified the people responsible for a series of vandalism incidents that damaged multiple businesses across the city over the weekend.
According to a police news release, officers responded the evening of June 27 to a report of vandalism at a local business after a window was damaged by what police say were vandals using a slingshot to fire glass marbles.
During the investigation, officers utilized information obtained through the department’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to identify a suspect vehicle.
Officers combined that information with witness statements, evidence collection and follow-up interviews to identify those responsible.
As the investigation continued the following day, additional reports of damaged windows and property were received from businesses along the suspects’ route of travel.
Patrol officers re-interviewed the suspects, who admitted to intentionally damaging multiple businesses and signs throughout Appleton.
Officers also recovered the slingshots and remaining glass marbles believed to have been used in the incidents.
Police say the suspects accepted responsibility for the known six incidents, and officers anticipate additional damage reports may be connected to this case. Businesses and property owners who discover similar damage are encouraged to report it to the Appleton Police Department.
“This investigation highlights how technology serves as a force multiplier for law enforcement,” said Chief Olson. “Automated License Plate Reader technology did not replace traditional police work, it enhanced it. By combining ALPR information with officer observations, investigative interviews, and physical evidence, officers were able to quickly identify those responsible, recover evidence, and bring resolution to multiple victims.”
The investigation remains active as officers work to identify any additional victims and complete the criminal referral.
Anyone who believes their property may have been damaged during the evening of June 27, 2026, is encouraged to contact the Appleton Police Department at (920) 832-5500 and reference this investigation.
