This year’s homecoming antics are steadily creeping upwards in severity as reports come in of homes being vandalized in areas throughout Andalusia.

According to police reports, Andalusia Police Department officers have responded to more than 10 reports of criminal mischief and criminal trespassing since Friday.

“It’s that time of the year when students want to show their school pride,” said Andalusia’s assistant chief Mike Bowlan. “While there’s nothing wrong with that, per se, sometimes those antics can get out of hand. Most of this started years ago as innocent pranks, now it’s becoming a huge nuisance to homeowners.”

Homes and yards throughout town have been rolled, which is considered a mostly-harmless tradition, but one report sent to The Star-News told of garbage strewn over the yard and the destruction of private property. Later in the day, the same reader reported having received apologies from those responsible.

Bowlan said many may remember last year’s rash of homecoming vandalism when more than 10 vehicles were spray painted, egged and otherwise damaged.

“We don’t want anything like that to happen again this year,” he said. “Students should know if they are caught in the act, they will be arrested for criminal mischief, trespassing or whatever else applies.”

Andalusia High School administrators require students to check in and out of float-building activities at the Kiwanis Building.