Crimestoppers: Amherst authorities seek Stonehouse Lake vandals

Toilets were smashed and trash cans and signs were knocked over in a bout of vandalism at an Amherst County park Thursday night, authorities said.

The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding those responsible for the damage at Stonehouse Lake, according to a Crime Stoppers news release. Items damaged include picnic tables, signs, garbage cans, seating areas and restrooms.

Some damage also was caused to berms and embankments by a four-wheel drive vehicle, the release said.

Authorities estimate that $8,000 in damages was done to the park.

Stonehouse Lake is a 41-acre park located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. It’s one of three public reservoirs owned by the county and is open all year.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office at (434) 946-9385 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900.

Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.