After cautioning students to refrain from crossing boundaries with homecoming pranks, a police department in Illinois encountered a surprising discovery.
The Plainfield police managed to intercept an enormous stash of toilet paper that was reportedly intended for several local homes, following complaints about masked groups in the vicinity of Plainfield North High School.
“And yes… 650 rolls. We counted,” the police remarked.
The police showcased the collection under a banner titled “Operation Clean Sweep” and humorously estimated its “street value” at $1,708.66, which came about after two nights of increasing community complaints.
“Homecoming is not a free pass to damage someone else’s property or disrupt their quality of life,” the department emphasized on Facebook.
During a two-hour span starting just after 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, officers received numerous calls regarding teenage activities. Residents highlighted that their homes and cars were subjected to toilet paper, eggs, ketchup, detergent pods, and other items. Groups of approximately 20 to 25 individuals dressed in hoodies and ski masks were reported to arrive simultaneously in multiple vehicles, creating chaos.
The intended targets weren’t just classmates or friends; some homes belonged to families with young children or to residents without kids at all, police noted.
“At this point, we are seeing property damage and significant cleanup, and understandably, residents are frustrated,” the department stated.
The department pointed out that the reports of these homecoming pranks were diverting police resources from more serious matters.
Officers engaged with various incidents, assisting firefighters at a structure fire, collaborating with Illinois State Police, making a DUI arrest, and responding to crashes and distress calls related to intoxicated individuals, protection order violations, and even a family in a mental health crisis.
“In short, we DO have better things to do,” the police concluded. “So PLEASE, be respectful of your community and let us!”
Details on where the police discovered the toilet paper, if any arrests were made, or if charges were filed due to the reported damage were not disclosed.
Prior to homecoming week, police had communicated a “zero-tolerance approach,” warning that pranks involving trespassing, property damage, or any risky behavior could lead to criminal charges.
“‘It was just a prank’ doesn’t erase the consequences,” they cautioned in an earlier post.
However, the department clarified that they were not aiming to stifle school spirit and encouraged parents to discuss appropriate behavior with their children before the celebrations began.
“Have fun. Make memories. BUT DO IT WITH RESPECT.”
