T-R PHOTO BY ADAM SODDERS – This bronze plaque from Riverside Cemetery was the target of a vandal in April. Deep gouge marks can be seen on the bottom of the piece.

There were two recent incidents of vandalism at high-profile Marshalltown locations.

One case saw three juveniles taken into custody for allegedly walking and scootering through wet concrete on the property of the Marshalltown Hy-Vee store, 802 S. Center St. They were charged with criminal mischief in the first degree.

“Criminal mischief first (degree) is the top of the spectrum of criminal mischief,” said Marshalltown Police Capt. Brian Batterson.

The damage to and replacement of the concrete is estimated at more than $10,000. Hy-Vee store manager Ric Anderson said the cement dried after the damage was done, leaving the scars from the incident hardened in place. A jackhammer will be used to break up the damaged cement before more is poured in its place.

Another incident took place at Riverside Cemetery, 611 N. Center St., where someone damaged two bronze monument plaques at grave sites. The damage was reported to Marshalltown Police on April 25.

“One of them was discovered by our grave digger … that was a monument that was a bronze plaque that was only a year old,” said Riverside Cemetery general manager Dorie Tammen. “It was completely bent and has gouge marks underneath it.”

A second bronze plaque just feet away from the first was also damaged, though not as badly.

Batterson said there are currently no suspects named in the monument vandalism case.

He said the damage to the plaques was estimated at $900 and $700, respectively, and those costs do not include the labor and installation expenses that could be charged if they are fixed or replaced.

These two high-profile incidents accompany several smaller vandalism reports in Marshalltown in the last few weeks.

“I wouldn’t say it’s unusual this time of year to see an uptick in vandalism,” Batterson said. “Some of those are just crimes of opportunity … they see something, they want to break it or steal it.”

As with many types of crimes, Batterson said vigilance is key to prevention. That means reporting unusual or concerning behavior in a neighborhood to police.

“The police can’t be everywhere in Marshalltown at all times,” he said. “Look out for your neighbors.”

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Contact Adam Sodders at

641-753-6611 or

asodders@timesrepublican.com