Vandals target Bellevue’s new speed cameras

Just weeks after new speed cameras went up along 148th Avenue and on Forest Drive, the Bellevue Police Department (BPD) said vandals have already started targeting them. Now investigators are turning to the public for help identifying a suspect or suspects.

BPD Public Information Officer Drew Anderson said officers were dispatched around 5 p.m. Sunday to reports of vandalism on city property. When they arrived, they confirmed damage to speed cameras that had recently been installed as part of a city traffic enforcement effort. Some were physically damaged, others were spray-painted, and some had both.

While BPD has confirmed the vandalism, Anderson said the City of Bellevue’s Transportation Department is handling details related to the scope and cost of the damage.

Police have not yet said whether they believe a single suspect or multiple people are responsible.

Bellevue police ask public’s help identifying speed camera vandals

Anderson emphasized that investigators rely on information from the community to hold vandals accountable.

“We are at our best when we have as much information as possible, and that’s why we’re asking for the public’s help,” Anderson said. “The more information that we get from the public on this, the better. We want to hold the vandals accountable.”

Residents are urged to call 911 if they see vandalism in progress. If someone later notices that a speed camera in their neighborhood has been damaged, they’re asked to call Bellevue’s non-emergency line at (425) 577-5656.

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