Delaware police departments are stepping up patrols in Delaware County after troublesome fans of HBO series “Mare of Easttown” flock to the shooting location in droves.
“Mare of Easttown,” a television drama series based in unincorporated Wallingford (Delaware County, Pennsylvania) starring Kate Winslet has received lots of acclaim and positive reviews and has generated a large fanbase. While locals from the area welcome some of the attention that the show brings to the region, they are also bothered by the increasing number of fans trespassing on private property to glimpse some of the show’s filming locations.
“We’ve had a few instances where people have come on to our property — one late at night to look in our front window. Supposedly, I can only guess to see if it’s the same as where they filmed the show,” said the real-life homeowner of the property where the fictional Mare lives in the show.
To deal with the nuisance of trespassing fans walking on properties and taking unwelcome photos, local police are stepping up patrols in the area. Indeed, the Nether Providence Township Police Department has received an influx of complaints from residents.
“You know, we get it, we get it’s an attraction and HBO had a pretty big movie here now, but these people live here,” said Sgt. Michael Montgomery from the department.
“How would you like it if somebody is looking through your window and walking up on your property?” Montgomery told ABC 6.
The homeowner recently put up “no trespassing” and “private property” signs to scare off fans. She even says her little girl has become fearful of all the commotion from fans.
“She’s afraid to go outside. She’s afraid to play and it’s become a concern to us because it’s concerning to her,” she said.
Police warn that trespassing, blocking traffic and disturbing the peace will not be tolerated.
A statement from the department read, “Yes! It’s neat they filmed a lot of it in our town. Yes!! It’s really cool Kate was ‘living in Wallingford’. No!!!!! It’s NOT cool to go to the homes they filmed at, trespass on the property and harass the owners and their kids all hours of the day and night … REALLY! It’s a house. Get over it. If you plan on taking this trip, STOP and think! Officers will be in and around the area and will take appropriate action. Warnings will not be given and signs are posted. Trespassers, blocking traffic, disturbing the peace, etc., will not be tolerated. Thank you.”
