This fall ‘prank’ could land you in jail for vandalism
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IDAHO FALLS — Smashing doorstep pumpkins or jack-o’-lanterns may seem like mean but harmless fun to some, but local authorities say it’s actually a serious crime.
This weekend, Idaho Falls Police received at least a dozen calls regarding vandalism to pumpkins or other Halloween decorations. The most cases were in the Stonebrook subdivision, which got hit sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Police suspect most of the perpetrators are juveniles.
“Most of the time they are doing this, they see this as a prank,” Idaho Falls Police spokesman Jon Johnson said. “But when you do damage to others’ property, it can be aggregated to be a felony.”
Johnson says generally those caught smashing pumpkins are charged with misdemeanor malicious injury to property. But Johnson said when the total amount of damage to property totals to $1,001 or more, charge becomes a felony.
Even if it doesn’t reach the felony level, a person convicted of misdemeanor injury to property can be arrested and jailed for up to one year and pay a fine of up to $1,000.
Johnson said many kids just don’t see this as a crime, and they forget the personal damage done to families.
EastIdahoNews.com has received a significant number of complaints about this issue. One local mother, Danielle, found her family’s pumpkins destroyed after returning home late this weekend.
“It’s ridiculous and sad to come home and find your property all over your walkway smashed and broken,” she said.
If anyone has information regarding instances of vandalism, contact Idaho Falls Public Safety Dispatch immediately at (208) 529-1200.