Police Reports Full of Pranks

From ketchup smeared on a car to toilet papering, the Muskego Police Department’s blotter is filled with pranks this week.

On July 13 a resident in the S6300 block of Saroyan Road reported an ongoing problem with unknown subjects “ding dong ditching” his residence several nights in a row. He called again on July 14, to advise it occurred again.

Then there was a residence in the S7400 block of Richdorf Drive. It was “toiletpapered” twice this week.  On Thursday, another residence in the S7400 block of Bay Shore Drive was also “toiletpapered” and sustained damage.

An officer on patrol observed mailbox damage on July 14 in the S7200 block of Daisy Drive.

On Tuesday, someone smeared ketchup on a car in the S7700 block of Gaffney Drive. There was no permanent damage. Someone else’s car was “keyed” the same day in the S7900 block of Scenic Drive.

In addition to dealing with such silliness, the police did put out a serious warning this week.

“While we have had a little rain in our area the past few days, drought conditions still exist in our area,” said Muskego police Lt. David Constantineau. “In fact, it is getting worse. So that means burning is still banned in Muskego. No burning of yard waste or bon fires is permitted. Grilling is still permitted, but if you are going to cook with a charcoal grill, please put it in an area away from combustible materials, like the middle of a concrete or asphalt driveway, well away from vehicles, and have a hose at the ready. Let’s all use our heads.”

Toward that end, police did report a July 13 dumpster fire at the Durham Drive boat launch. It was quickly extinguished before it could spread. And, on July 15, numerous vehicles were ticketed for parking on the grass at Park Arthur.

“This happens just about every weekend in the summer,” said Constantineau. “Do not park on the grass in the parks. It damages the grass, and during this drought, it could also start a grass fire!”

The drought has also affected lake levels, he said. “As many of you know, I am not a big water sports guy, but I know many of you are. I have been talking to our water patrol officers, and they are telling me that lake levels are down as much as a foot because of the drought. That means that things are sticking up out of the lake beds higher than they have in a while. For the sake of your transom and prop, take it easy on the lake. Another concern is the erosion of the lake bed. As the water level goes down, and boats and jet skis get closer to the bottom, the bottom is going to start getting torn up in shallower areas, causing turbid waters and problems in the future. So, until the lake levels rise, let’s take it easy out there.”

In other police reports:

July 13, 2012 – A 55 year old Hammond, Indiana man was arrested for drunk driving on Woods Rd at Racine Ave.

July 14, 2012 – A 49 year old Waukesha woman was arrested for drunk driving in the area of Janesville Rd. and Martin Dr.

July 14, 2012 – A 43 year old Menomonee Falls woman was arrested for operating after revocation after officers investigated a complaint that she was driving in a reckless manner.

July 14, 2012 – A 39 year old Muskego man was arrested for his second drunk driving offense in the area of Woods Rd. and Racine Ave.

July 15, 2012 – A resident in the S7400 block of Durham Dr. reported that at approximately 2:15 a.m., her mailbox was struck by a black or dark gray vehicle traveling northbound. The vehicle should have extensive passenger side damage.

July 15, 2012 – Three Muskego men, ages 20, 19 and 17, received citations after operating jet skis on Little Muskego Lake in a reckless manner.

July 16, 2012 – Two chain saws were stolen from a residence in the S8500 block of Durham Dr.

July 16, 2012 – Wal-Mart reported the theft of numerous games and electronics on July 15. Suspects have been identified and the investigation is continuing.

July 18, 2012 – Mailbox damage was reported in the area of Union Church Dr. and Loomis Dr.

July 18, 2012 – A 17 year old Muskego man was ticketed for hit and run after fleeing an accident in the W17900 block of Woods Rd.

July 18, 2012 – Money was stolen from a residence in the W13800 block of Stonebridge Way.

July 18, 2012 – A 42 year old New Berlin man was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property after getting into a dispute in the parking lot at Idle Isle.

July 19, 2012 – A bicycle found in the area of Pilgrim Dr. and Durham Dr. was turned over to the police department.

If you have information on these or any other incidents, contact the Muskego Police Department at 262-679-4130.