AZTEC — Authorities say vandals hit the Aztec Ruins in northwest New Mexico causing several thousand dollars in damage to the ancient site.
Rangers working at the site tell The Daily Times at least two people entered the ruins and climbed over fragile walls and then entered closed rooms. In one area, they attempted to break into a locked hatch which protects original plaster and roofing.
The vandals were unsuccessful at efforts to enter the room.
Authorities say the people who entered the ruins were able to climb into some of the most fragile areas of the site, damaging one of the large beams and breaking another 900-year-old ceiling beam.
A park guide says rangers are still finding areas damaged by the vandals, who have yet to be identified.
