Teenage vandals targeted the Shawano Walmart on at least three occasions in the last month, leaving officials frustrated.
On Sept. 15, negative comments about a person were spray painted on the pavement in the parking lot next to the person’s truck, according to Police Chief Mike Musolff. He said the juvenile suspect was identified and given a warning because Walmart opted not to press charges, adding that there was only $5 lost in terms of covering up the graffiti.
Three days later, on Sept. 18, two teens took a can of spray paint and sprayed hunting clothes and other items in the sporting goods section at Walmart, Musolff said. He said the suspects were identified, and it’s estimated that $518 worth of damage was caused.
Musolff said it’s believed that the teens are also responsible for another Walmart incident on Sept. 19, but the matter is still under investigation. In this instance, flex seal spray was sprayed on propane canisters, fishing tackle, fishing reels and tents. The reported loss for this instance was $3,076.
The latter two cases will be referred to the Shawano County Human Services Department for juvenile criminal charges after the investigation is concluded. Another option, according to Musolff, would be municipal citations, but it looks likely that criminal charges will be filed based on the extent of the damages.
Musolff recommended that Walmart increase its staff in the sporting goods area, and he asked that witnesses report anything they see to Walmart employees or police officers. He also reiterated his warning to parents that they need to monitor their children when they’re in public places, reinforcing expectations and encouraging respectful behavior.
“If your kids cannot meet those expectations, do not allow them to go to stores unsupervised,” Musolff said.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
