Plainfield, Ill. – After a surge of prank‑related calls during homecoming week, the Plainfield Police Department announced it had seized a massive stash of 650 toilet‑paper rolls that were reportedly being distributed to neighborhood homes.
Operation Clean Sweep
Police posted photos of the haul under the banner “Operation Clean Sweep,” jokingly assigning a street value of $1,708.66 to the rolls. The department reminded residents on Facebook that homecoming is not a free pass to damage property or disrupt the quality of life for neighbors.
Between Monday and Tuesday, officers responded to double‑digit calls involving teens in the area surrounding Plainfield North High School. Residents reported that homes and vehicles had been targeted with toilet paper, eggs, ketchup, detergent pods and other items. Police described groups of 20‑25 individuals wearing hoodies and ski masks arriving in several vehicles at once and creating chaos.
Impact on Families
The pranks were not limited to friends or classmates; some of the affected homes belonged to families with small children, while others housed residents with no children at all. “At this point, we are seeing property damage and significant cleanup, and residents are understandably frustrated,” the department wrote.
Police also noted that the homecoming incidents were diverting resources from more serious calls. Officers assisted firefighters during a structure fire, helped Illinois State Police, made a DUI arrest, and responded to crashes, intoxicated individuals, protection‑order violations, and a family experiencing a mental‑health crisis.
Zero‑Tolerance Policy
Plainfield police had issued a zero‑tolerance warning ahead of homecoming week, stating that pranks involving trespassing, property damage, or dangerous behavior could result in criminal charges. “‘It was just a prank’ doesn’t erase the consequences,” the department emphasized.
While the department did not disclose where the toilet‑paper was found, nor whether any arrests were made in connection with the prank, it stressed that it was not trying to stifle school spirit. Parents were urged to speak with their children before festivities begin.
Community Call
“Have fun. Make memories. BUT DO IT WITH RESPECT,” the police message concluded, urging students to enjoy homecoming responsibly and reminding the community that law enforcement has more pressing duties than cleaning up prank‑related messes.
The incident underscores the importance of parental guidance and community cooperation in maintaining a safe, respectful environment for all residents during school celebrations.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
