Auburn neighborhood on high alert for teens vandalizing decor

A Halloween vandalism spree in Auburn left homeowners frustrated after a group of teenagers were caught on security cameras cutting down decorations and smashing pumpkins.

The vandalism, which residents say occurred Sunday night and early Monday morning, targeted multiple homes.

“They came in and stabbed them with knives,” homeowner Rob Goshorn said, describing the damage to the Halloween display.

Goshorn told KIRO 7 that 10 of his inflatable decorations have been cut.

“It was like it was pointless. It’s just a trivial thing, it can be fixed. But I don’t know why they would want to take away someone else’s happiness,” he explained.

Goshorn’s exhibit, which featured dragons, dinosaurs, pumpkins and witches, was severely damaged.

On Facebook, several Auburn residents around the city posted photos and videos of similar damage from the same night.

One of the security cameras shows teenagers charging onto the porch and smashing pumpkins.

Another neighbor posted a video of the same group knocking over a 12-foot skeleton and breaking its head.

The videos each show a similar white SUV seen fleeing the scene of the vandalism, and Auburn police are currently investigating multiple reports.

Goshorn estimates his damage at about $1,000, but he’s determined to keep the Halloween spirit despite the mishap.

“That’s why we’re here, for the kids,” he said.

Auburn police continue to work to identify the teens involved; The community is hoping for a solution to the Halloween disaster.