Town officials are hoping to curb vandalism.

MATTAWAMKEAG (AP) – A small Penobscot County town is considering a drastic approach to curb vandalism: a curfew that goes into effect before the sun even goes down.

Mattawamkeag Town Administrator Vern Lemieux says a 4 p.m. curfew for people under 18 years old is one possibility that will be discussed when the Town Council meets on Oct. 20 to consider ways to cut down on vandalism.

“The last thing we want to do is be heavy-handed, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to protect the town,” Selectman Chairman John Whitehouse said.

For three years vandals have repeatedly stolen street signs, damaged the community playground, vandalized the post office and broken windows at Town Hall, Lemieux. The town has around 825 people, about 150 of whom are under 18. The city suspects teens from other towns are contributing to the vandalism.

A 4 p.m. curfew is proposed because much of the vandalism occurred before 6 p.m., Lemieux said.

The curfew would likely have exceptions for those who work or participate in extracurricular activities, he said. It would need to be approved at a special town meeting.

Some youths from inside and outside the town have been summoned in the past for the crimes, but the problem remains a financial concern, he said.

“Just as soon as we get it repaired, they tear it back down,” Lemieux said. “Every time something is destroyed, it’s tax dollars that are paying for it.”

Last year, town officials tried to talk to local teenagers to try and come to an understanding, but interest soon waned. Selectmen are open to starting up a dialogue again, Whitehouse said.

The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department or a constable would be in charge of enforcing the curfew. The town doesn’t have a police department.

AP-ES-10-13-03 1232EDT