HOULTON (AP) – Eleven American flags have recently been slashed or stolen from homes and businesses in this small northern Maine town, police said.

Seven of the flags were slashed Thursday at random locations throughout Houlton, apparently with a knife or razor, said Police Chief Daniel Soucy.

The following night, four more flags were stolen from their holders or poles. Soucy believes the acts are related.

“Certainly, it’s troubling,” he said. “I’m sure the public is as bothered by it as we are.”

He said police are working hard to find the culprit.