Authorities with the San Diego Police Department, along with Crime Stoppers, are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating those responsible for vandalizing parking meters in the Balboa Park area.
According to a department statement, a total of 52 newly installed parking pay stations were damaged between Dec. 24, 2025, and Feb. 6, 2026.
Investigators said the suspects spray-painted the meters, shattered digital screens and applied a sticky substance to the keypads, leaving the machines inoperable.
The estimated damage totals about $77,500.
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The vandalized pay stations are located along stretches of Sixth Avenue, Park Boulevard, Village Place, Eighth Avenue, Juniper Street and Balboa Drive in and around Balboa Park.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Diego Police Department at (619) 744-9500 or Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Tips can also be submitted online or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app at sdcrimestoppers.org.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests in the case.
