Hillsdale 2019 Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Curfew

HILLSDALE, NJ - When kids hit the sidewalks in search of candy on Halloween, a special curfew will be in effect.

In Hillsdale, police will be enforcing an 8 p.m. curfew on Oct. 30 and 31, and extra patrol will be working both evenings to ensure a safe holiday for all.

However, parents should be aware that there are certain behaviors that land your child at police headquarters.

That includes: violating curfew, destroying property, trespassing and aggressive behavior. Any children found with items such as eggs, spray paint and paintball guns will also be taken to the department and officers will be confiscating “potentially destructive” items such as toilet paper and shaving cream.

Hillsdale’s “Zero Tolerance” policy “is vital for the safety of our children and the protection of property. We are urging parents to take an active role in order to assist us in this endeavor,” the department said. “Parents and guardians should be aware of the activity that occurs when their children are out unsupervised. Most property damage and criminal activity occurs when seemingly harmless behavior and pranks escalate out of control,” the department said.

“This year, we are recommending that all parents limit their children’s mischief to their own property. In the past, homes and moving vehicles have been the target of eggs, rocks, and in some instances, paint ball guns. Toilet paper strewn across utility lines has created visibility hazards, which can easily lead to serious danger for the motoring public and our children,” police also said.

2019 Hillsdale-Westwood Halloween Sex Offender Safety Map

Safety Tips From The PD

• Parents should establish dialogue with their children about unacceptable behavior or more importantly, not allow their children out without adult supervision.
• Parents must be cognizant of their children’s actions and behavior.
• Children leaving the home dressed in dark clothing and/or in possession of items such as eggs, shaving cream and other malicious items are traditionally a formula for trouble.

Other Safety Reminders

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup instead of masks if possible to reduce the risk obstructing a child's vision.
• Have kids carry flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• Make sure costumes are the correct size to prevent trips and falls.
• Young children should be supervised by a responsible adult.
• Don't walk on the street. Stay on sidewalks and cross streets when safe at intersections and crosswalks