AUDUBON, NJ — Police in New Jersey have once again upped patrols, announced curfews and vowed to confiscate toilet paper and shaving cream from kids wandering the streets on Oct. 30 as departments around the state prepare for an annual tradition not everyone looks forward to.
The night before Halloween is widely known as Mischief Night here, although in some pockets it's also called Cabbage Night or Goosey Night.
Historically, Mischief Night is supposed to be the night of harmless pranks, but many police departments have developed plans to prevent the shenanigans. Pranks that might seem fun (possibly involving eggs, spray paint, paintball guns or shaving cream) are actually crimes, they say.
"Damaging the property of another is against the law," reads a joint statement from police in Westwood and Washington Township in Bergen County.
"A 9:00 P.M. curfew will be enforced on October 30th and 31st for the purpose of promoting public safety and reducing the possibility of property damage," says the statement that warns of "zero tolerance."
