Some Mount Vernon residents told News 12 they are upset by a spike in property crime, vandalism and filth in the city's public parking garages.

They say their cars were victimized in the garage at North 3rd Avenue and East Sidney Avenue.

Mount Vernon police confirmed 12 reports have been filed relating to vandalism of cars at that garage since mid-August.

"All you got to do is patrol this lot to protect our taxpaying citizens from getting our cars damaged," said Irving Jeffers, who filed two of the 12 reports.

Some residents testified at a recent City Council meeting that their cars have been damaged more than once. They've been asking the city to add police patrols and install more lightning. Some have even asked for on-site security.

"They want security. I don't even think they have a security person in there. It's filthy, dirty all the time. People pay their money," added Ron Lewis, Mount Vernon.

Public-Works employees say they've been doing extra patrols and maintenance too. They also acknowledged that some city vehicles were also vandalized. When these problems were brought up to the city council, one member hinted they're looking into longer-term solutions, not just patrols and trash-pick-up.

A Mount Vernon police lieutenant confirmed the department has increased patrol around the garages.