When Can Gloucester Township Residents Go Trick Or Treating For Halloween?

Gloucester Township, NJ -- Gloucester Township will have its traditional trick or treating hours in addition to its Trunk or Treat event at Veterans Park.

Halloween is on Monday night, Oct. 31. Trick or treat hours are 3 p.m.-8 p.m.

While there are many options of costumes for children -- and adults -- to choose from this Halloween, at least one nationwide retailer is taking a usually popular option off the shelves.

Target has decided to pull clown masks from its shelves and online stores in the wake of the “creepy clown craze” that has led to schools being shut down and children being terrified nationwide.

There are still plenty of costume options available, though. While costumes of presidential candidates might be popular among adults, Captain America and Harley Quinn are also expected to show up at the door this Halloween.

Click here to see the 10 most popular costumes for kids this Halloween.

While keeping your eye out for clowns, here are some other safety tips to keep in mind:

• Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner, using signals and crosswalks. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross.
• Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in familiar areas with minimal street crossings.
• Be a safe pedestrian around cars. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. Do not use electronic devices while walking.
• Costumes can be both creative and safe. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers.
• Masks can obstruct a child’s vision, so choose non-toxic face paint and make-up instead. Children should carry flashlights in order to see and be seen.
• Be especially alert. Children are excited and may move in unpredictable ways. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period between 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm.
• Drive slowly. Slow down and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic. Full headlights should be on so that children can be spotted from greater distances.
• Reduce distractions. Eliminate driver distractions such as talking on the telephone or eating.

For more tips on how to keep kids safe while walking on Halloween visit http://www.usa.safekids.org and search Halloween.

See related: Gloucester Township 2016 Halloween Sex Offender Safety Map

Gloucester Township Police provided the following Mischief Night Safety Tips:

1. Park your car in the garage and secure the vehicle and garage door.
2. Leave your house lights on, especially exterior lights.
3. Stay home on mischief night.
4. Lock up your valuables.
5. Put away children’s yard toys, they could be stolen or damaged.
6. Lock your car doors.

Suspicious activity should be reported to the Gloucester Township Police Department by calling 228-4500 or if its an emergency, 911. Anyone reporting suspicious activity should be as descriptive as possible. The description of the subject, location or direction of travel and tag on a motor vehicle is extremely helpful.

Police warn residents not to put themselves in any danger.

Anyone with questions may contact the Gloucester Township Police Community Relations Bureau, Ptl. Jenn McLaughlin at jmclaughlin@gtpolice.com or by calling 856-374-5735. Anyone who needs immediate assistance should call 856-228-4500 or 9-1-1 for an emergency.

Patch file photo