Could this be a stealthy invasion by taffies you mentioned earlier?
I haven't as yet seen any employed as hats yet, but who knows what dark rituals are enacted on the common green in the dead of night?

We come in peace...is this a taffy trick?
If it was a Taffy invasion force they would be in organised stacks at the side of the road.
You can get an entire division in the back of a pick-up truck.
Lay-up at the edge of town, then move in at first light blocking off all the exit roads and gas station entrances.
By 07:00 the town is ready to be renamed as: LlanfairÂpwllgwyngyllÂgogeryÂchwyrnÂdrobwllÂllanÂtysilioÂgogoÂgoch. This has a most calming effect on the inhabitats and really sends out a message. (The Taffs are Here...)
Bug out to the pick-up before the Sheriff arrives ,and move on to next lay-up.
According to Dave Lister,
It’s not a good night’s party if you don’t come home with a traffic cone.