Claremont – Word gets around in a town like Claremont, and normally it's nothing to get too excited about.

This time, however, Town Manager Guy Santagate didn't like what he heard " talk of threats, from more than one source, against Building Inspector Kenneth Walsh.

So he called for a meeting last Wednesday with Police Chief Alex Scott, city Planning Director Anthony Lyons and Walsh, and asked police to investigate.

Thursday morning, tires on a town-owned car used by Walsh were found slashed.

"When we hear, from more than one person, talk of physical steps being taken against Ken, or talk of someone being shot, even, we take that seriously," said Santagate Tuesday night.

"We explained to Chief Scott the situation, and he's investigating. We want to let people know that if we follow through and get some information and proof, we will take court action. Enough is enough," Santagate said.

Because of increased development in town, Santagate said, a certain faction of people are likely disgruntled over stricter code enforcement.

"If you're out of compliance, we're simply saying you have to bring it into code compliance. And if you want a new permit, we want a site plan," Santagate said. "In the past, things were lax in Claremont. We're tightening up. We understand how that causes extra costs to people, but that goes with getting it right."

But protecting a city employee who is simply trying to do his job has to be his first concern.

"We understand there may be some displeasure, even hostility. We're not thin-skinned about it. But we don't expect physical threats. Now, with the tires being punctured, that ramps it up," Santagate said. "We don't know if these are serious threats, but we can't take that chance; not in this day and age."