There was a lot of glass being replaced in the Sugar House area Saturday.
At least 33 cars, businesses and homes were vandalized Friday night. The large majority of that damage was from windows being shattered either by a pellet gun or marbles propelled from a sling-shot.
No arrests had been made as of Saturday. All of the vandalism incidents occurred on Salt Lake City's east side, most of them in the Sugar House business district.
Friday's vandalism spree comes of the heels of an additional 20 reports of window damage in the same area the previous week. But Salt Lake Police Sgt. Jim Bryant said even though vandalism like this happens occasionally, Friday was even more than usual.
"This is probably one of the worst (sprees) I'm familiar with," he said.
Police began receiving calls about 7 p.m. Initially, the incidents were reported as possible drive-by shootings.
Businesses along 2100 South between 500 East and 1300 East were hit particularly hard.
One of the front windows at Carl's Jr., 1235 E. 2100 South, was shot out just after 7 p.m. while people were inside dining. Restaurant manager Michelle, who did not want to give her last name, said they were lucky no one was injured.
"That is really scary at that time of night," she said.
Less than a block away, a glass door was shot out at Jiffy Lube, 1200 E. 2100 South. Store manager Holly, who also did not want to give her last name, said having one less door is a big inconvenience.
"They've basically closed off an entrance to our shop. It's a pain for us and customers," she said.
Holly said the incident also raises safety concerns. She noted that at 7:30 p.m. there were still a lot of Christmas shoppers in the area at some of the nearby stores such as Barnes and Noble, 1104 E. 2100 South, which also had a window shot.
A front window was shot out at Hip and Humble, 2030 S. 900 East, around 8 p.m.
"It's very disruptive to know there are people like that," said store manager Robyn Shaw. "Why would somebody do something like that?"
Shaw said it was fortunate no one inside the store was hurt and none of the merchandise, much of which is next to the window, was damaged.
Because her business is small, Shaw said replacing the window would hurt it in the pocketbook a little more than the national chains. Rather than get angry however, Shaw theorized that one of the vandals might one day own a small business of his or her own.
"Karma comes around," she said.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com