A police department seized hundreds of rolls of toilet paper amid an alleged rise in homecoming vandalism.
Several officers and a K-9 with the Illinois-based Plainfield Police Department posed with 650 toilet paper rolls on social media to demonstrate how seriously the department is tackling high school homecoming pranks.
“When officers intercepted 650 rolls of toilet paper that were intended to be used for these activities, we decided to make the situation very clear,” the department posted on Wednesday.
“What we are seeing this week has gone well beyond harmless pranks.”
The seizure was part of “Operation Clean Sweep,” ran by the “Joint Bathroom Task Force,” according to the department’s social media. The officers celebrated busting a “major two-ply trafficking ring.”
The department reported more than 10 calls for “juvenile-related complaints” between 7:15 and 9:15 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Locals allege homes and vehicles were being hit with ketchup, eggs, laundry detergent pods and toilet paper, the police said.
“20-25 people wearing hoodies & ski masks will ‘pull up’ (as the kids say) simultaneously in multiple vehicles and cause chaos,” the department’s post said.
“Before the ‘don’t you have anything better to do’ comments start rolling in ... we also assisted Plainfield Fire with a structure fire, assisted the (Illinois) State Police, made a DUI arrest, assisted a family experiencing a mental-health crisis, and handled crashes, intoxicated subject calls, violations of orders of protection, and more,” they wrote.
“In short, we DO have better things to do. So PLEASE, be respectful of your community and let us!”
The police had the time to count the rolls, adding: “Yes … 650 rolls. We counted.”
The officers concluded their post by saying they recognize homecoming traditions and want students to enjoy the week.
“But criminal mischief, property damage, and dangerous behavior are not Homecoming traditions we will overlook,” they wrote.
“Have fun. Make memories. BUT DO IT WITH RESPECT.”
