No Mischief on Mischief Night – from American Dream Realty

Take a walk outside, and you’re sure to find the leaves in their autumn palette, with beautiful pumpkins and the occasional ghoul around the block. Halloween is upon us, and with it the transition into November. However, to get through to November, and even Halloween, we must get through the New Jersey classic “Mischief Night”. This night is almost exclusively “celebrated” in New Jersey, and involves kids running around the night before Halloween, pulling pranks on every house they see. So, in order to keep your wonderful property free of toilet paper and egg shells (yes, teens do throw these things at houses), we have come up with a few tips that’s worth reading up on.

While the name may differ (some call it Mischief Night, others Goosey Night, and others Cabbage Night) the premise is still the same: Pull pranks on susceptible houses. So, the first step you should take to deter these pranks is to be home this Friday. An occupied house is less likely to be tp’ed, for the pure sake that kids will be afraid to be caught. If you’re not going to be home, at least make it look like you are, maybe by leaving a few lights on or keeping the radio on as background noise.

Still worried that your home will be plastered with raw eggs? No worries, for the homeowner sitting on their porch during the night will definitely stop any potential assault on your home. Just having a visible presence, especially between the hours of 9 p.m. and 12 a.m., will stop any hopeful in their tracks. Don’t feel like sitting outside all that while? No problem, either rotate shifts with a spouse or other family member, or make giant signs to put on your property. We’re not kidding. A giant sign that says“Vandalising this property is illegal”, “Video Cameras on Premise”, or “Beware of Dog” will make any teen think twice before letting that toilet paper fly.

Finally, talk to your neighbors about how they feel about Mischief Night. If they’re worried about their property too, you can set up a makeshift neighborhood watch. Not only that, but if there is a cop in your neighborhood, talk to him or her about your feelings towards Mischief Night. In recent years, the police have been cracking down on these vandals, and they’re sure to help you out too.

While the thought may be daunting, with a little effort you can repel any potential egg that could be thrown at your home, or roll of toilet paper at your favorite tree. We wish you the best of luck in deterring these pranks, and from all of us at American Dream Realty of South Jersey, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween!