Woodbridge Township Halloween Curfew in Place for Wed., Oct. 30 & Thurs., Oct. 31

 Woodbridge Township – Woodbridge Township is under the spell of “Haunted Halloween” with special Township-wide “Spooktacular” events in celebration of the annual recognition of “All Hollows Eve.”  As Halloween has grown in popularity, so have responsibilities to safeguard and protect our ‘Trick-or-Treaters’ as they go from house-to-house and to the special holiday events sponsored by the Township Department of Recreation, schools and community groups.

The Woodbridge Police Department (WPD) will enforce a special Halloween curfew on the evenings of Wed., Oct. 30 (Mischief Night) and Thurs., Oct. 31 (Halloween).  While scary fun is great, special safety reminders and precautions will be in place to keep Township “Trick-or-Treaters” out of harm’s way.  The curfew is in place from 7:00 PM to sunrise on Wed., Oct. 30 and Thurs., 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.

While the Woodbridge Police Department (WPD) will be watching out for our ‘Ghosts & Goblins’ as part of special Halloween patrols and the Health Department is available to provide information on healthy treats, the safety of our youngest ‘Trick-or-Treaters’ falls to parents and older children.  We encourage everyone – young and old alike – to think ‘safety first’ as they attend the many Halloween events and as youngsters take to the streets for ‘Trick-or-Treating’ on Halloween.

The WPD also issued important Halloween safety precautions:

• Make sure Trick-or-Treaters know to only approach familiar houses that have outside lights on – that is the signal that the homeowner/resident is ready to greet Trick-or-Treaters.  NEVER ENTER A STRANGER’S HOUSE OR VEHICLE;
• 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;
• Trick-or-Treat in daylight hours;
• 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.