2008 HALLOWEEN MESSAGE

[Cranbury Police Dept.]

2008 HALLOWEEN MESSAGE

Halloween is approaching once again. It’s that wonderful time of the year when our children dress up in their frightening costumes and head out into their neighborhoods on a seemingly endless trek up and down steps, knocking on doors, ringing doorbells and hollering “TRICK OR TREAT”; all for that ultimate prize, candy.

Such is the harmless fun that we associate with this special day. But then there is the safety aspect of Halloween which leads me to suggest the following:

1. Children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

2. Masks that hinder vision should be removed when crossing streets.

3. Watch out for slippery leaves, steps, rough sidewalks, etc.

4. Do not eat any treats until checked by an adult.
Halloween night is not a time for damaging or destroying another person’s property. It is a night for fun, and the following will be in effect:

1. Trick or Treat visits must be over by 9:00 P.M.

2. Any youngster found with eggs, rocks, tomatoes, paint, aerosol or spray cans, or any device used for spraying or squirting, will have same confiscated and will be grounded for the rest of the evening.

3. Anyone using these items and/or causing property damage or injury to anyone will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

4. Anyone who writes, paints, prints or scratches obscene or profane words on any public or private buildings, homes, walls, windows, etc., will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

Sunday, October 30 is not Mischief Night. We do not have any such thing in Cranbury. Any young people found roaming the streets that night will be transported or sent home immediately. Parents, we ask for your help in seeing that your children do not go out on the night of October thirtieth unless they absolutely have to. Then, if possible, take them where they have to go and drive them home. I cannot believe that keeping young people off the streets one night of the year is too much to ask; nor do I believe that this can be called police harassment.

Last year the wonderful kids and parents of Cranbury gave us 100% cooperation and we are extremely grateful. Let’s try for a repeat this year!

(This message was originally printed in the 1980s by Chief Kenneth Logan and respectfully reprinted by all the Cranbury Police Chiefs.)

Thank you,
Chief Edward L. Kahler III

[Guest]

Happy HALLOWEEN!

[James]

This year we had over 450 kids visit last year it was 400. With the increasing number of kids on Main st. Which is great. I was thinking about child saftey as kids crossed the street in traffic to go to trick or treating. Given the costumes and that Halloween is an evening event, I think it might be worthwhile to consider shutting Main St. down for 2-3 hours. We can do it for Cranbury Day and Memorial Day, so I don't see a reason why we couldn't do it for our children's safety. Watching the number of kids it is alarming to see the traffic and speed of cars coming down Main st. and the potential for a sever and tragic accident.

Just as an FYI, my wife and I don't have kids so it's not that parent's aren't watching kids or me watching my own, but rather the concern I have in avoiding a bad situation.

[Jersey Dad]

Another great idea, James.

[Guest]

I agree. I was wondering where all the kids were (we're in Cranbury Greene) - we only had 75 this year vs. 120 last year. I guess they were all on Main St!

[Guest]

Great idea, James.

I am in Shadow Oaks. We had about 15.

[Guest1447]

I agree. That sounds like a good idea to me. I did happen to be on Main Street last night and I thought that it was very dark and hard to see when some of the kids and even the adults were crossing the street.

[concerned]

I'm all for shutting down Main Street for a few hours on Halloween. As a resident of S. Main & parent, I was very concerned about kids crossing the street AND the people speeding with no concern for the people on the sidewalks.

Another idea would be to get some volunteers to man the cross walks with flashlights & reflective vests. Not sure this would have enough impact, but would certainly add a little more safety to crossing the streets.