Cities fearing Halloween mayhem put teens on notice, announce curfews and crackdowns after violent takeovers
Cities in Illinois, Georgia and New Jersey are introducing curfews, extra patrols and other measures for Halloween to prevent large gatherings of teenagers from turning into fights and arrests. The preparations follow previous “teen takeovers” and reflect concerns that crowds can overwhelm local police and disrupt neighbourhoods.
In Oak Park, about 500 teenagers gathered last Halloween; fights and gunshots were reported, and police sought help from six neighbouring agencies. Covington will require under-16s in its downtown after 7 p.m. to go home or be with an adult, while Long Branch plans to enforce an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for under-17s on 30 and 31 October, following a May gathering that led to six arrests. In Chicago’s Hyde Park, a volunteer group plans to gather in the streets to discourage large crowds.
In short
- Cities are adding Halloween curfews and patrols.
- Oak Park’s 500-person gathering involved fights and gunshots.
- Hyde Park residents plan to discourage large gatherings.