Vandalism Increases at Mulligan Field; Police Adopt Zero Tolerance

ERMA — Criminal mischief incidents involving spray paint, malicious damage and even minor arson incidents have increased at the Mulligan Field Sports Complex in Villas over the last several months.
Lt. Thomas Keywood, Patrol Bureau commander for the police department, indicated that the police department has invested numerous manpower hours into property checks at the complex, enforcement of curfew violations and periodic arrests.
However, vandalism continues to be a problem at the field, which has baseball, soccer and hockey facilities as well as a playground and basketball courts.
As a result of the recent criminal mischief at the Mulligan Field, Police Chief Edward Donohue has issued a Zero Tolerance Policy to his Officers for any juveniles found on the township property after the hours established in the township’s local ordinance regarding curfew violations.
The Lower Township Police Department would like to remind juveniles and their parents/guardians of the curfew regulations in Lower Township.
Curfew Hours:
It shall be unlawful for a juvenile to be on any public street or any public place in the Township of Lower between the following hours:
Juveniles under 14 years of age 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Juveniles ages 14 through 17 between Sept. 15 and May 15, 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. and between May 15 and Sept. 15, 12 midnight to 6 a.m.
The juvenile and their parent and/or guardian are both subject to a written warning for the first offense.
If there is a subsequent violation by the juvenile within one year of the initial warning, a formal complaint summons will be signed against the juvenile and their parent and/or guardian.
Any person convicted of a violation of this local ordinance shall be subject to the performance of not more than 180 days of community service or a fine of not more than $1,000 or both. If both the juvenile and the juvenile’s parent or guardian are convicted of a violation of this chapter, they shall be required to perform community service together.
The Lower Township Police Department would also like to remind residents that the Mulligan Field Sports Complex is closed after 9 p.m. and no one should be on the property after 9 p.m.
Any residents observing suspicious and/or criminal activity at the Mulligan Field Sports Complex are asked to call the Lower Township Police Department at 886-2711 for non-emergencies and 9-1-1 for emergent matters.