Woodbridge puts Halloween curfew in place to ‘protect trick-or-treaters’
Those under the age of 18 will have a 7 p.m. curfew in place on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 unless they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult
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Woodbridge officials have announced a Halloween curfew on Friday and Saturday for minors.
Anyone younger than 18 must be indoors between 7 p.m. and sunrise on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 unless they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.
Mayor John McCormac said the rule has been on the books for years, and it's mainly there to prevent children who are preteen and older from getting into trouble.
"It is early for a 16- or 17-year-old, but that's the purpose of the law, to keep them out of trouble, to keep anybody from damaging property or damaging vehicles or just being a menace," said McCormac.
However, the curfew has drawn mixed reactions from residents.
Some parents of younger children said they support the rule.
"My kid is 10," said Deisy Echeverria. "I always tag along. I always have to be with him 24/7. He won't go alone."
Others were somewhat unsure about the restrictions.
"It's an exciting time of the year for kids especially, so for them to not be able to go out and do trick-or-treating, it's kind of disappointing for them," said Bhavan Patel, who lives in nearby Edison.
Meanwhile, older children who spoke to News 12 said the 7 p.m. cutoff should be extended.
"Over 13, you should be able to go walk around a little bit at least until maybe around 11 p.m. or 10 p.m.," said Woodbridge teenager Christian Alfieri.
The township says first-time violators will receive a warning from police. Those caught violating the curfew a second time must be picked up by a parent or guardian.
“The Woodbridge Police Department (WPD) will be watching out for our ‘Ghosts & Goblins’ as part of special Township-wide patrols, but 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 Halloween events and as youngsters take to the streets for ‘Trick-or-Treating’ on Halloween,” said McCormac.
Woodbridge police issued the following Halloween safety tips:
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.
