City Plans Halloween-Mask Crackdown In Wake Of 30 Robberies

Local 6
Oct. 25, 2007

COCOA, Fla. -- Residents wearing masks in certain public areas this Halloween could be arrested as part of a police crackdown in the wake of dozens of robberies committed by men in disguise.

In the last four months, city businesses in Cocoa have reported 30 different crimes by armed bandits wearing masks.

According to a Florida law, wearing a mask in public is a misdemeanor, the Local 6 report said.

Officers in Cocoa said they plan to crackdown on the statute around Halloween this year.

"This is new for us," Cocoa police representative Barbara Matthews said. "This is something proactive we are trying. And it may have some kinks. But for most of the law abiding citizens, it's not going to be an issue for them."

Cocoa police officers are telling local businesses to post fliers on their windows, asking customers to remove any type of mask before entering. Store and hotel employees may be asking people to remove masks on their property.

"If they have nothing to worry about, it is going to be a quick encounter and then we are going to be on our way to the next call," Matthews said.

Authorities said they plan to use discretion over who they arrest during the crackdown.

Anyone arrested for wearing a mask can expect to pay a hefty fine or spend up to a year in prison, Local 6 reported.