BROOKINGS – Public restrooms on school grounds outside two local schools were the latest to be vandalized as part of a social media challenge, according to Brookings Police, and the City of Brookings has announced all public restrooms at city parks are now closed.
“It’s some kind of a TikTok challenge,” Lt. Marci Gebers said. “It’s where people will film themselves going inside a public restroom to damage or destroy items.”
In addition to the recent reports of restrooms on school grounds being damaged, BPD received a report of restrooms being damaged at Sexauer Park last week.
“So, there’s been several of them here in town that have been vandalized, and obviously, if we are able to determine who’s responsible, we will move forward with charges,” Gebers said.
The City of Brookings issued a press release Monday afternoon stating that all public restrooms within park facilities are closed until further notice due to the vandalism.
“The choice to do (so) is in response to recent acts of vandalism that have occurred over the past two weeks affecting many of the city parks restrooms,” according to the press release.
“An attempt to open restrooms during the day was made, but vandals still destroyed facilities. Therefore, the (Brookings Parks, Recreation & Forestry) Department determined to close restrooms starting Sept. 27,” according to the press release.
“Staff will unlock restrooms for scheduled events at parks, and the facilities will be open during those event times only. Sexauer Park restrooms will remain available for use by campers,” according to the press release.
The press release asked anyone with information to contact the BPD 692-2113 or the city of Brookings Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department at 697-8331.
One incident was reported at 10:13 a.m. Thursday outside Camelot Intermediate School, located in the 1400 block of 15th Street South, Gebers said.
“The reporting party had saw where the soap dispenser and the diaper changing station in the women’s restroom was damaged, and then, in the men’s restroom, there was damage to the soap dispenser and the toilet paper holder,” Gebers said.
There was no damage estimate, she added.
The other one is likely connected to the TikTok challenge, Gebers said.
The incident was reported around 7:19 a.m. Monday and occurred outside Medary Elementary School, located in the 700 block of Fifth Street South, Gebers said.
“The damage likely occurred Sunday between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.,” she said.
“With this one, someone vandalized the (men’s) restroom by spraying … this red liquid which was later identified as being this Mio water additive. Sprayed that all over in there,” Gebers said.
Estimate for cleaning that was approximately $200, she said.
If anyone has video surveillance from the area that could aid in the investigation, “we would appreciate being contacted,” Gebers said.
“We’ll be reviewing any video surveillance footage in the area. And if anyone in the community has seen any TikToks or any other social media posts with a person or people vandalizing the restrooms here in town, if they could please contact us,” Gebers said.
The Brookings School District also sent out a districtwide notice to parents on Sept. 17 regarding the TikTok challenge.
“We would like you to be aware of a concerning trend that has turned up in local schools. A challenge on the social media platform TikTok encourages students to steal or destroy items at school and then post a picture or video of the item as a ‘trophy.’ Schools in Brookings and across the country are noting this concerning behavior,” the district’s message says.
“Theft and vandalism have school consequences that include suspensions, financial restitution and the loss of privileges. These cases will also be referred to the police for charges,” the district’s message continued. “Please talk with your learner(s) about this trend and make your expectations known to them. We have beautiful facilities in our district and many hard-working staff who take pride in keeping them maintained for our benefit.”
If anyone has information about these cases, contact the Brookings Police at 605-692-2113, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by visiting www.brookingsareacrimestoppers.com or call 605-692-STOP (7867).
