Whether it’s caused by unemployment, boredom, bad parenting or all the above, there has been a noticeable increase in vehicle thefts, graffiti and other forms of vandalism in the Flathead Valley.

And it’s become a problem that requires a vigilant public in helping police address the matter. But that’s precisely what’s happened over the last couple of weeks.

An anonymous good Samaritan recently tackled a 22-year-old man who had been placing graffiti stickers near the Kalispell Center Mall, allowing for a police officer to arrest the man, who was in possession of spray paint, stickers and markers.

Prior to that, citizens reported a suspicious vehicle driving without headlights, leading to the arrest of two teenagers who were in possession of more than $3,000 in stolen items.

Another citizen tip led to the arrest of two girls for spray-painting a building on Birch Grove Road.

Police cannot be everywhere to prevent property crimes. A public that’s on alert can make a difference in catching what’s likely to be a small number of people committing the same crimes again and again — until they are caught.

HOME MAKEOVERS are all the rage these days on TV shows, but there’s a makeover in progress in Evergreen that has special significance.

Caleb Speed, a 6-year-old with cystic fibrosis, is getting an extensive room makeover through the efforts of Glacier High School and the Special Spaces organization.

Glacier High students and organizations are raising money for the room project and several classes — from interior design to drafting to wood shop — are undertaking the actual work to make Caleb’s dream room a reality.

This represents a great community service project. Kudos to Special Spaces as well as the school’s students, teachers and administrators for building Caleb’s dream.