'Zero Tolerance' Policy, 8 P.M. Curfew On Mischief Night, Halloween In Hillsdale: Police

HILLSDALE, NJ — Police will have a "zero tolerance" police on Mischief Night and Halloween.

There has been "significant property damaged" and "mischievous and criminal behavior" by unsupervised kids and young adults on those nights, police said Wednesday.

"Children leaving the home dressed in dark clothing and/or in possession of items such as eggs, shaving cream and other malicious items traditionally are a formula for trouble," police said. "In the past, homes and moving vehicles have been the target of eggs, rocks, and in some instances, paintball guns. Toilet paper strewn across utility lines has created visibility hazards, which can easily lead to serious danger for the motoring public and our children."

On both nights, the following standards will be in effect, police said:

• An 8 p.m. curfew will be "strictly enforced." Anyone in violation will be taken to police headquarters.
• A "zero-tolerance" policy regarding criminal mischief, trespassing and criminal behavior. Anyone found defacing or damaging property will be taken to police headquarters and processed.
• Toilet paper, shaving cream, eggs, paintball guns, spray paint and other "potentially destructive" items that unsupervised kids have on them will be confiscated and kids' names recorded.

Additional police officers will be on patrol both nights.

"It is important for parents and the community to work in cooperation with the Hillsdale Police Department to deter criminal activity and make both Mischief Night and Halloween safe and enjoyable for all," police said.

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