Dear editor,
I am not a big fan of Facebook. After Halloween my attention was brought to several postings, reports of property damage, cars keyed, stoned, etc.
I was surprised to learn at the Supervisior meeting only three reports were made to police. I urge anyone who suffered vandalism to report it to police. Even if it is late. It is true probably no one will be caught. This way the vandalism goes on Record. The extent of the vandalism problem is shown. If you later decide to file a claim with insurance a police report is needed.
Several people have mentioned a Sheffield woman who has been seen buying large quanities of eggs. Later the same woman has been seen passing eggs out to the kids from the back of her car. I myself witnessed her handing out eggs one year. She may think this makes her the "cool mom". The law says it is illegal to buy, sell or distribute any item for the purpose of committing a crime. Even an item which has many legal uses. Many people reading this will know of whom I discribed.
The comment has been made, "who should believe my kid or his accuser". Here is an idea, check on your kids. See what they are doing with your own eyes. Everyone likes to believe it is never their kid. Most people know better.
On Halloween I was targeted by the vandals. The reason I ordered them to stay off the property. Smashing the pumkins left out is a "given" in this town. Destroying other halloween decorations is crossing the line. The concern I have is kids running wildly through back yards in the dark. I have witnessed several times. Most often the kid is more worried about his egg fight with his buddies that where they are going. There is many things for a kid to run into or fall over. It is not rocket science, sooner or later someone will be hurt or worse. For example cloths line poles. Many at forehead height some painted black. I personally do not want to see anybody's kid hurt. Especially on my property. It has been tried. Giving the kids a well-lit designated area for their egging. It did not work.
Except for Halloween I have never denied anyone reasonable - responsible access to any property that I own.
Think I am out of line? Perhaps next year you can invite the vandals to your nieghborhood, to quote comments made, "It is only once a year. Let them go".
Dennis Kemper
Sheffield