Saturday evening my home was vandalized. My daughter was home alone and someone broke out two windows and tried to break the big sliding door but they were unsuccessful. My daughter is fine, police were called. Here's my problem... My husband and I shared a Christmas party that evening at the home of a neighbor two blocks away. I had a bad feeling before I left for the party so I left a lot of lights on and tried to block it out. At around 9:30 ish I got a call from my daughter that someone was trying to break in. We came home immediately and our bedroom window and kitchen window were completely broken. There was no other vandalism in this part of town that evening. We did have this party and it was limited to a certain number because we were sharing the party and I think it's a little more than a coincidence that this happened that night. The detectives agreed with me. I have my thoughts on who could have done this... there were some people that were unhappy about being left out. I know I can't prove anything but I can't get rid of this naggy feeling that it was probably someone I knew. Of course I suppose it could be random but I don't think it was. What would you do? Or what do you think? I know at this point I can't prove anything.. :-(

I think if it is someone you know, they might be wondering how much you know. They may be feeling guilty. I say don't talk about it to anyone you suspect, let them go mad for news about how much you know. You could make out that the police are working on it. Keep your eyes and ears open and someone make trip themselves up.

There is seldom "random" damage that is just done to one home.

Of course you did not say how old your daughter is, if in her teens, sometimes, teens have issues where others do property damage also.

But all you can do is give all the info you have to the police and move on with life.

Well, not being able to prove anything leaves you with no options other than to replace the windows and put the incident behind you. Having suspicions is one thing but suspicions alone have no legal bearing either civilly or criminally. I'd like to know just how disgruntled someone would be over a party that they'd go to such lengths.

I'm assuming in a case like this the police really arent' investigating. If they are don't use this. If they are not and you talk to the people who you believe did this and the subject comes up, you might mention that the vandals left behind some very distinctive foot prints that police took molds of. Do not say fingerprints because if they were wearing gloves they will know your lying. But everybody has footprints. Watch for any reaction that comment might bring.

That being said, as you clearly state you can't prove it so don't go throughing accusations around based on suspicision. You could be wrong.

Just look smug and let them think you have their number. And if there is any chance something like this might happen again set up a camera or a tape recorder to get something on them.

Oh dear, this is bringing out the schemer in me. Lol

You call this an act of vandalism, but it seems more to me like an attempted burglary. As Chuck noted, random vandalism is rarely limited to a single instance. Also, if vandalism was the goal, they wouldn't have just broken windows.

It could be someone working for the caterer or someone else with knowledge of the people attending the party may have targeted your home.

But the main issue is that, without proof there is nothing more you can do except install a security system.

Thank you all for your answers, they were very helpful! :-)