Jones County Sheriff Urges Caution Over Resurgence of Yard Rolling

Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin is urging residents—especially students and parents—to think twice before taking part in the seasonal tradition of “rolling yards” with toilet paper, a prank that has spiked with the return of school.

The sheriff’s department has received numerous complaints about repeated incidents, with some homeowners having to clean up multiple times—even from strangers. Berlin noted that while the tradition is usually seen as harmless fun, it’s now causing real problems.

Issues cited include people rolling vacant homes, targeting strangers, tossing toilet paper into swimming pools—sometimes damaging equipment—and creating potential safety concerns. In one case, tensions escalated dangerously close to violence.

Berlin clarified that he’s not against fun, saying, “We all did it,” but emphasized the need for caution and awareness, particularly in today’s more sensitive environment. He asked parents to talk to their children and remind them to respect others’ property and safety.

“It’s a different world now,” Berlin said, calling for the community to be responsible and safe while still enjoying the start of the school year.