NATCHEZ — Recent tire slashings and vandalism in the Montebello area have residents on high alert.

A Turtle Lane resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said his tires were slashed the night of April 26, along with at least two other vehicles in the area.

The resident said the repairman who fixed his tires said a pocketknife likely was used to cut the tires.

The neighborhood, the resident said, has been plagued by vandalism in recent months.

“It’s surprising because we’re in a quiet neighborhood,” the resident said. “I know it’s picked up all over town, but it’s just when it gets right here close to you.”

A Lindberg Avenue resident, who alerts her neighbors via e-mail of incidents in the neighborhood, said she has received e-mails about tire slashings, vandalized mailboxes and stolen items.

“We’re not used to this,” the resident said. “This has never happened here, and it’s just getting out of hand.”

The residents say they are attempting to assemble a Neighborhood Watch program with the help of the Natchez Police Department.

Natchez Police Detective Otis Mazique, who is working the case, said he received three reports of tires being slashed last week. Mazique said he does not currently have any leads on suspects, but the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information about the tire slashings or vandalism should call NPD at 601-445-5565 or Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.

Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for a tip leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.