Police in Mars have one possible edge in their attempt to apprehend the individuals responsible for the New Year's vandalism affecting homes, businesses, a church and vehicles.

That ally is the fact that immature individuals responsible for such damage, feeling a sense of pride in their "accomplishment," often can't keep their mouths shut about their "achievements." They end up boasting to the wrong person, and arrests are forthcoming.

That is what Mars police are hoping happens this time. By now, some people not involved in the incidents probably know the identities of — or strongly suspect — who was responsible.

They can be assured that if they come forward with the important information, the police will not divulge their identities.

Police chief Kevin Radford said he suspects that young people were involved. The kinds of crude drawings and graffiti spray-painted on residences and businesses seem to confirm that theory.

The vandals also painted over parked cars' headlights.

Buildings victimized during a time frame believed to be from 1 to 4:30 a.m. Jan. 1 included the Foodland Market, Mars United Methodist Church, Planet Mart and a number of homes.

Much of the paint used was able to be removed easily, but a wooden sign at the church will involve an outlay of about $400 for painting over the graffiti, it was reported.

According to Radford, vandalism of so many buildings in a single wave of such activity is rare in Mars. He recalled an incident a few years ago in which "the ballfield in town was hit and kids painted on the concession stands, stuff like that.

"We haven't had anything like this," he said.

It is to be hoped that the police obtain the right tip and are successful in apprehending the vandals. In addition, it is to be hoped that the courts will mete out penalties that will discourage other similar incidents from happening not only in Mars but in other locales in the county.

"Happy New Year" is a statement of good wishes for the ensuing 12 months. It isn't a license to hurt others, either physically or through damage of possessions.

Those who know who was responsible for the Jan. 1 vandalism — and some people no doubt do — should reflect on their duty to their community to make known that information to the police, if only by anonymous correspondence. The path must not be paved for future vandalism by the same individuals, in Mars or in any other municipality.

The ability to elude arrest oftentimes emboldens individuals to commit similar crimes again.

Residents of Mars won't be able to shed their current uneasiness about the Jan. 1 incidents until police successfully close the case.