IOWA COMPUTER STOLEN DesMoinesRegister.com:

Burglars take computer, vandalize Broncos items
The intruders 'basically trashed the home,' police write in their report.

By TOM ALEX
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

March 22, 2007
Ben Montoya Jr. took off his Denver Broncos cap, brushed his fingers across the brim, and said, "At least I've still got this."

The rest of his Broncos memorabilia was painted or otherwise destroyed in a break-in at his east-side Des Moines apartment Tuesday afternoon.

Burglars "basically trashed the home," police reported.

"It appears this act of violence is a personal attack on him," officers wrote in their report. "The suspects either spray painted over the Broncos' memorabilia or tore it down."

On one wall the burglars painted the word "Thanks." On another wall they painted the word "Insurance?"

A computer and monitor were stolen from the home in the 2300 block of East 24th Street along with an amplifier and at least 48 DVDs. A big-screen television was damaged when it was tipped over. Other pictures and personal items also were spray-painted.

"It was meth addicts, probably," said Montoya, 22, who lives in the upstairs apartment with his girlfriend and child.

"It was probably someone who needed a fix. Who else would come in the middle of the day and mess up all our stuff?"

In spite of the vandalism, Montoya said, "I am wearing my Broncos hat proudly today."

Montoya's father, Ben Montoya Sr., lives on the first floor of the apartment building.

"Whoever it was, they were tall," he said. "The writing in the hallway is high on the wall."

No arrests have been reported. A side door to the apartment was kicked in to provide access to the dwelling.

The vandalism was so complete that it was difficult to determine what was taken at first, the younger Montoya said.

Reporter Tom Alex can be reached at (515) 284-8088 or talex@dmreg.com