HOWELL — Two 16-year-olds were arrested and more are expected to face charges after police say a group of people wreaked havoc on a development in the township.

According to police, the teens broke into the Point O'Woods maintenance garage and took a golf cart on a "destructive joyride." During the ride police say the cart was used to knock over street signs and was taken on back roads to Michael Tighe Park where they caused "extensive damage." After the cart was recovered in a nearby mobile home park, police say it had suffered "extensive damage."

Police say the teens also poured tar down a storm drain, threw lawn ornaments on the roofs of buildings and threw outdoor furniture into the community's pool.

The incidents happened on at least three different dates over the past month, leaving residents "uneasy," police said Tuesday.

"Police patrols in the area were increased in an attempt to deter future crimes and apprehend those responsible," the department said in a statement.

In a letter posted on buildings in the development, the Pointe O'Woods Condo Association described the incidents as "profound acts of escalating vandalism and theft." According to the letter, police took "finger and other prints from the crime scenes" as part of an ongoing investigation.

Residents were encouraged in the letter to lock all doors whenever they left the house. The association also encouraged anyone with information about the incidents to call the Howell Township Police Department Detective Bureau at 732-938-4575.

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com

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