Cities plan Halloween curfews and added patrols after teen gatherings

Crime · First reported 31 Oct, 10:00 · Updated 10:39

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Officials in several cities are planning curfews or increased police presence for Halloween after previous large teen gatherings led to fights and arrests. The coverage focuses on Oak Park, Illinois; Covington, Georgia; and Long Branch, New Jersey.

Oak Park estimates about 500 teens gathered downtown last Halloween; the police department says it will increase staffing and take other steps to prevent a repeat.
Covington plans to require those under 16 in its downtown area after 7 p.m. on Halloween to go home or be accompanied by an adult.
Long Branch plans to enforce an 8 p.m.–6 a.m. Halloween curfew for those under 17, following a May gathering that ended in six arrests.

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Key facts

Oak Park gathering: About 500 teens were estimated to have gathered downtown last Halloween.
Covington rule: Those under 16 in downtown Covington must go home or be with an adult after 7 p.m. on Halloween.
Long Branch curfew: The planned curfew for those under 17 runs from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Oct. 31.
May arrests: The Long Branch gathering in May resulted in six arrests.