Iowa City police have charged three juveniles following a vandalism surge over the past four months, according to a press release.

The three Iowa City residents have been charged with first-degree criminal mischief, the release said. The development comes after many reported almost 70 cases of criminal mischief between November 2010 and Feb. 7.

The release said complaints first began in October and varied from smashed pumpkins to vehicle, garage, and light post damages.

On Feb. 5, a resident took down the license plate of a car leaving an area in which other vehicles had been damaged in a West Side neighborhood, the release said.

Once officers contacted the juveniles connected to the car, the report said, and the three young men took responsibility for a majority of the damages, which began Oct. 31, 2010, on the East Side.

Officers believe these juveniles are only responsible for the Feb. 5 incidents on the West Side.

The defendants told police a baseball bat was used to cause the damage.

First-degree criminal mischief is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000.

— by Hayley Bruce