Detectives are continuing to search for leads in the rash of vandalism to cars parked in Bellmore, Merrick and Wantagh on May 23.

During the early-morning rampage, the windows, windshields and mirrors on more than 80 vehicles were smashed, according to Detective Sgt. Al Sharpe of the 7th Squad.

"Every one of these cases are in active mode," said Sgt. Sharpe. "They are on detectives' desktops. They have not been closed or cleared. We will make arrests, I truly believe it."

Sgt. Sharpe said the vandalism took place on Sunday, May 23, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. There were 16 locations in Bellmore where 28 vehicles were reported damaged.

Sharpe said investigators believe that a blunt instrument, probably a baseball bat, was wielded by one of the vandals who was leaning out of a moving vehicle, possibly a dark-colored SUV. A group of teenagers, anywhere from three to six of them, is believed to be the culprits, he added.

"A couple of people cited the fact that they heard teen-like laughing, and they saw this vehicle driving away," said Sharpe. "We believe someone was leaning out of this vehicle with a bat whacking other vehicles. It was happening so quickly that people only could hear the rampage."

He said substantial damage was done to the driver's side windows, windshields and rear windows of the parked vehicles. Each of the vehicles received an average of $300 to $400 in damages, detectives said.

"We always look at motivation, but this appears to be so random," said Sharpe. "It just appears to be a bunch of malicious kids out that night on a rampage with nothing but malicious thoughts."

Detectives said they have received a few tips in the case, but could use more help from the community.

"We have received some leads, but they're not super strong. We have been following these leads the best we can. We have some people in mind, but we continue to put it out there to the public and the media hoping that it would generate more phone calls. We're hoping for a lucky break in the case, someone with basic knowledge to divulge something they may have seen."

A $5,000 reward is being offered to anyone who may have information that could lead to an arrest or arrests. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All calls will be kept strictly confidential, police said.

Police have been checking video footage of surveillance cameras near businesses and homes, as well as traffic cams, in hopes of catching a lead in the case.

Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) units have visited local high schools in the communities hit by the rampage.

"The schools are aware of the incidents," said Sharpe. "We are keeping our ears up. If there's someone with any bragging rights at all, we will find out about it. We're pounding the pavement hoping to make arrests in these cases."