Police looking for suspect in Back Bay vandalism

BOSTON (WHDH) -- People in Boston’s Back Bay are outraged after they became victims of vandalism.

Police said several cars were keyed and now they hope surveillance video will help track down a suspect.

Pricey cars on Beacon Hill were vandalized in an alleyway that overlooks Storrow Drive.

“A scrape along the exposed side of the car,” said Mark Schmid, whose car got vandalized.

At first Schmid thought it was an isolated act of vandalism, but now he has learned that up to 40 cars were keyed.

“It must have been somebody walking through here and just keying the cars as they walked by,” said Schmid.

“Maybe we’re going to be able to see some of the images because all these buildings have surveillance cameras,” said Ana Hausmann, a neighbor.

On Sunday around 8:15 p.m. the cameras captured a woman stopping and extending her hand as she walked by one car that was discovered keyed the next morning. Police have received a copy of the video as part of their investigation.

“It’s very worrisome because maybe next time they’ll break the windows,” said Hausmann.

Hausmann’s car was spared, but she is still concerned.

“When something like this happens you wonder why is somebody coming here. Is there hate? Is something -- envy?” said Hausmann.

Schmid said this was a random, malicious act, but he said he feels safe.

“It’s part of the hazard of living in the city. I accept that,” said Schmid. “It’s a shame.”

Police have reviewed at least one surveillance video, but most of the buildings in the alley have cameras.