Halloween vandalism escalates
Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke is considering re-initiating the city's one-day special curfew for next Halloween.
Multiple incidents of criminal damage to property this year will have the police chief in front of the mayor and council at an upcoming council meeting to request an early end to the evening in the future.
"We aren't talking about the real young trick-or-treaters," said Burke. "They didn't cause the problem, but they will be punished for what the older kids did this year.
"We may go for a curfew for anyone under the age of 21. If that's what it takes, then that is what we will do."
Burke has reports of eight incidents of criminal damage to property. Some of the incidents involve more than one vehicle or home.
A trash receptacle was ignited resulting in an arson report. There also were reports of objects being launched at vehicles.
Halloween yard displays were torn up and inflatables and other Halloween decorations were destroyed.
Multiple vehicles were "egged" and some were splattered with ketchup. Both houses and vehicles got hit with eggs, paint balls, and ketchup.
Several vehicles in one location were "keyed."
"And, of course, we had multiple, multiple pumpkin smashings reported," said Burke.
"Some of the damage is going to be costly to repair. Many of the decorations and ornaments were expensive," he said.
The damage was not limited to any one area of town. "Most neighborhoods were affected," Burke added. "And due to the escalation of vandalism, we will be seeking a way to have everyone home around 8 p.m. next year."
Burke said he will research the ordinances already on the books and see what is applicable.
Other police activity for the week included:
— a verbal domestic dispute Oct. 31 between a parent and a juvenile.
— a report taken Thursday of mutual combat between two juveniles.
— theft of motor fuel taken Saturday from Food Mart. The incident is under investigation.
— burglary Saturday to a building not used as a dwelling.
