Police Set Curfew For Mischief Night, Halloween

The following info was provided by the Washington Township and Westwood Police Departments:

The Westwood and Township of Washington Police Departments will be continuing their “Zero Tolerance Policy” this year during Halloween and “Mischief Night”. These standards are very important for the safety of our children and the protection of private property. Parents have to take an active role in order for these standards to be successful. The police departments understand that revelry is a part of the Halloween tradition. Please remember that certain activities are unacceptable, even at this time of year. Damaging the property of another is against the law. Juveniles caught participating in any form of criminal mischief will be brought to police headquarters for appropriate action and will only be released to a parent or guardian. Parents should speak with their children about unacceptable activities or not allow their children out on these nights without adult supervision. 

The standards that will be enforced this year include: 

• A Zero Tolerance policy toward acts of criminal mischief, trespassing and aggressive behavior. Anyone found defacing or damaging private property will be arrested and charged.
• We will confiscate all items, including toilet paper and shaving cream, from juveniles found wandering around the Township and Borough unsupervised. Names of all unsupervised juveniles will be recorded.
• Any juveniles found with items we feel pose a significant threat to people or property will be brought to headquarters and processed according to the law. These items include eggs, spray paint, paintball guns, and any other items that could be considered a threat. 

A strict 9 p.m. curfew will be enforced on October 30 and 31. Anyone in violation will be brought to police headquarters.