Vandals strike Rancho El Dorado neighborhood (GALLERY)

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A Rancho El Dorado neighborhood was hit by vandalism early Monday morning. Photo by Michelle Chance

Residents in the Rancho El Dorado subdivision were the victims of vandals early Monday morning.

Neighbors on Baker Drive woke up to spray paint sprawled across vehicles, sidewalks and at least one garage door.

The side glass window of one resident’s vehicle was shattered by stones and the door beneath it was damaged and dented.

 “We’re new to the area, just closed in our house about three weeks ago, so this is really dampening our new-home experience,” said Miguel Avila.

The damage is estimated to cost him $1,400.

Avila said no items were stolen from his vehicle “except our peace of mind.”

Around 3:56 a.m. another resident heard noises coming from outside his home.

“I heard hooting and hollering so I looked out of the window and I saw my truck, and I heard a truck peel out and race off,” said Joe Costello. “It sounded like kids or someone just screaming and hollering.”

Costello walked outside and found his two vehicles vandalized with spray-painted scribbles and a phallic symbol.

 He called the Maricopa Police Department.

“It’s the first time we’ve had anything here. We were thinking maybe it was us, but once the cops came and started looking up and down the road they saw more,” Costello said.

Costello said he did not get a look at the suspects and their vehicle, but he said a neighbor’s surveillance camera filming across the street could provide more answers.

“Hopefully, we all learn to be vigilant and look out for each other,” Avila said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates from MPD.