Woodbridge Puts 7 P.M. Mischief Night/Halloween Curfew In Place

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — As they do every year, the Woodbridge Police Department has implemented a Halloween curfew for the evenings of Saturday, Oct. 30 (Mischief Night) and Sunday, Oct. 31 (Halloween).

The curfew is in place from 7:00 p.m. to sunrise on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 and applies to everyone under the age of 18 (unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult).

Police will issue a warning and instructions to return home to first-time violators; second offense violators will be held until picked up by a parent or guardian.

This means that trick-or-treaters or any teen out with an adult will be fine. The curfew applies to teenagers and pre-teens running through the streets unaccompanied by adults on those nights. (Teens coming home from school or work are also exempt.)

From the Woodbridge Police, here are some tips to make your child's Halloween extra — and extra fun!

• Make sure trick-or-treaters know to only approach familiar houses that have outside lights on –that is the signal that the homeowner/resident wants to give out candy.
• Never enter a stranger's house or car.
• Consider using make-up rather than masks. Masks obstruct vision, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic
• Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to darker costumes
• Always carry a flashlight or an inexpensive battery-operated strobe light
• An adult should always accompany small children while ‘Trick-or-Treating’. Older children should travel in groups for safety
• Consider handing out something other than candy - fast food coupons, sports cards and other novelty items make for safe treats
• ‘Trick-or-Treaters’ should return home before opening candy and other treats – previously opened candy should be discarded

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