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Westampton Police Searching For Self-Proclaimed 'The Code Enforcer' Who Keys Cars, Slashes Tires Over Unkempt Lawns

WESTAMPTON, N.J. (CBS) -- A nasty neighbor is leaving his mark on a South Jersey community. The man was caught on video keying cars and leaving behind a note.

In a note left behind on a victim's car, the suspect calls himself "The Code Enforcer" -- and gives advice on how to upkeep her property so it doesn't happen again. So far, police say he's racked up more than $10,000 in damages.

westampton vandalism note
Credit: CBS3

"You can still see curls of paint coming up off of this," victim Naomi Taylor points out.

Multiple Westampton residents woke up to scratched vehicles and flattened tires Tuesday morning -- all due to lawn care.

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"Not edging and cleaning up our clippings and trimming the trees," Taylor said.

The only reason Taylor knows this is because the vandal left a note behind, explaining why her vehicle was vandalized. And she's not the only victim.

"Over the last year, there's been about eight cars total now. Six in the immediate last month, and two from last year," Westampton Township Police Lt. Brian Ferguson said.

westampton vandalism suspect
Credit: Westampton Police Department

Police believe the suspect is an older man who walks a small dog. They also believe he too lives in the Holly Hill section of the town.

Police say he's targeting residents whose lawns are unkempt. He's dubbed himself "The Code Enforcer" and residents in the area are concerned.

"Why should he be the one that's neighborhood watch," one resident said.

"I mean, it's their property, and I hope they catch whoever's doing it," resident Kenny Love said.

That's something the whole neighborhood seems to agree on.

"I really do hope he gets caught, just because I shouldn't have to pay for the damage that he did to my vehicle," Taylor said.

If you recognize the suspect, police would like to speak with you. They are hoping to catch him before a resident does.

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