Gloucester Twp. PD To Have Extra Patrols, Offer Halloween Tips

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township police said on Friday morning that they will have extra patrols on Mischief Night and Halloween to ensure children are safe.

Trick-or-treating hours are 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, although officials previously said those are recommended hours. A resident had raised concerns about parents who work on weekends and children who play sports on Saturday not being able to fully experience Halloween. Read more here: Gloucester Twp. Trick-Or-Treat Hours A Recommendation: Officials

The township has also said it is strongly encouraging residents to use their best judgement and wear a cloth or surgical mask underneath their Halloween costume. Read more here: Gloucester Township Urges Precautions On Halloween Amid Pandemic

Police also issued these tips to residents on how to help keep children safe while they are trick-or-treating:

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
• Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars and be especially careful around driveways and alleys.
• Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit, stay on sidewalks if available, and trick-or-treat in small groups.