GRANVILLE COUNTY, N.C. — Corporate jets and small aircraft frequently use the Oxford-Henderson Municipal Airport, but a group of vandals may create a safety risk at the airport.

Granville County Sheriff David Smith said vandals stole the globes that cover the runway lights. Authorities said 14 lights were stolen on Jan. 23 and 15 lights were taken on Jan. 27.

"We're probably dealing with teenagers," he said.

Investigators said a number of bulbs were also smashed, but the vandalism did not stop there. The alleged vandals threw some globes at random cars in Oxford. One of the streets is still littered with blue broken glass.

Airport workers repaired the damages immediately at a cost of about $1,000.

"The safety factor with the airplanes coming into the airport is where the true concern comes in," Smith said. "These pilots at night have to have these lights to guide them and come in and make a safe landing."

So far, the airport manager said no flights have been affected. The Granville County Sheriff's Office has circulated fliers in high schools hoping for a break in this case.