Community Corner

A Safe Halloween: Tips from the Scotch Plains Police Department

When to trick or treat in town? Check out these police recommendations about Halloween hours, safety and more.

This press release was submitted by the Scotch Plains Police Department. 

The excitement of Halloween for children sometimes makes them forget to be careful. Simple common sense can do a lot to stop tragedies from happening and to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day trick or treating. As you are getting yourself and family ready for the festivities, here are some tips to consider, courtesy of Chief Brian Mahoney and the Scotch Plains Police Department.

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany youngchildren. Plan and review with your older children the route they are taking and agree on a specific time they must return home. Trick or treat in neighborhoods known to your family. Stay in a group. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk, if no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys. Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat. Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations. Always walk. Never run across a street and use established crosswalks. Use a flashlight so that you can see and be seen by others. Wear a brightly colored or reflective costume and remove all masks that limit eyesight before crossing a street or driveway. Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered. No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.

Chief Mahoney would also like to remind all drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community. To ensure the safely of all residents and especially the children there will be extra patrol units on duty for Halloween. A common question asked is, what hours should children trick or treat? There is no township ordinance which limits the times however the Scotch Plains Police recommends that children trick or treat between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. These hours are only a recommendation and will not be enforced but Chief Mahoney states that this is when the mostofficers will be on duty and it allows children several hours of trick or treating before it gets dark. The times also allow residents to tend to any non-Halloween related functions. 

Once again Chief Mahoney and the Scotch Plains Police Department wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween day. 


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