Police Prep for Halloween Mischief

For kids, Halloween is a day of mysterious costumes and an abundance of candy. For homeowners, the holiday is all too often an invitation for mess and property damage.

Whether one calls it Goosey Night, Mischief Night or Cabbage Night, the night before Halloween traditionally sees teens with a twinkle of trouble in their eyes, a roll of toilet paper in one hand, and maybe even a few eggs in the other. 

Police Chief Benjamin Fox advises those kids to think before setting out for some "fun."

"There are no free passes," he said, explaining that the department will not turn a blind eye to mischief that all too often is simply vandalism.

"We take it very seriously," he said.

To prepare, Fox said the department will deploy extra patrols on Friday. The officers will be broken down into small teams to keep watch on the township's streets.

Generally, kids will have their Cabbage Night "tools" confiscated if caught walking with toilet paper, silly string or other items. However, kids caught vandalizing property will not be so lucky.

"Anyone apprehended will be arrested and charged," Fox said.

The chief said the township generally does not see major damage on Cabbage Night, and it's often just a group or two of teens who pose the most problems. The department will swarm any area where a group is found to try to get those kids off the streets. The chief also said officers will respond to any resident's call about damage.

Hopefully, parents can help keep their kids from venturing out to make mischief, he said.

"Don't allow your child to be in a situation like that... take that out of the equation" and find alternate activities.

Fox has posted a public service announcement on the township's Web site that details safety tips for parents and kids. He writes that, "Destroying another's property should be seen in the context of what it is: vandalism, and it can have far-reaching consequences beyond the moment's actions."

Of course, property owners are not the only ones who need to think of safety this holiday. After all, kids will be ringing strangers' doors to receive their bounty of candy. The chief reminds trick-or-treaters to go out in groups while it's still light out. Never enter a stranger's house or car; remember to check all treats before consumption. 

Parents also need to consider the safety of their kids' costumes. The chief wrote that outfits should be short to prevent trips and "other bumps in the night." He also urges kids to try make-up instead of a mask, as the latter can obstruct vision in addition to being hot and uncomfortable.