Police Discourage Clown Costumes, Voluntary 7 p.m. Curfew for Trick or Treating in 19th Ward

CHICAGO, IL -- While Chicago has no set trick-or-treating hours, police are advising parents to celebrate Halloween with their children during daylight hours. Halloween falls on Monday, Oct. 31.

Chicago police also discourage Halloween revelers from wearing creepy clown costumes on the streets during Halloween, in light of reports of menacing clowns reported in 20 states, including sightings on Chicago’s South Side and surrounding suburbs.

Ald. Matt O’Shea announced a voluntary 7 p.m. curfew for trick-or-treaters throughout the 19th Ward for Halloween. Residents planning on welcoming little beggars at their door, they can display this complimentary flyer to display in their door in their door or window.

To keep Halloween safe and enjoyable for children, CPD offers the following advice:

• Children should never go out alone on Halloween.
• Children should never eat any treats until they have been examined.
• Advise children they should never enter strangers’ homes.
• Never invite children into your home.
• Children should never accept rides from strangers.
• Discourage children from taking shortcuts through backyards and alleys.
• Set a specific time limit for your children to be out Halloween night.
• A responsible adult should escort children during trick or treating.
• Adult escorts should carry flashlights,
• Don’t leave your home unattended on Halloween.
• Keep pets inside your home or some other safe place on Halloween.
• Children should walk -- not run -- during trick or treat activities.
• All costumes should be made of light colored, fireproof material.
• Children should wear proper fitting, comfortable costumes and shoes.
• Masks and wigs should not be worn if they impair vision.
• Children should use the sidewalk, not the street, for walking.
• Adults and children should look both ways when crossing streets and be mindful of cars.
• Please avoid wearing clown costumes due to recent events.