TRENTON — Investigations continue to into reports of pins being found stuck inside Halloween candy in two municipalities this week.

But cases from previous years turned out to be false.

This week, a mom reported finding a needle in a Tootsie Roll in Commercial Township and another adult reported finding a pin in a Kit Kat bar in Barnegat.

Parents are always urged to check their kid's collection of candy, but how much of a threat is it?

Last year, several cases of tampered candy were reported to police that all turned out to be false. A Blackwood man was charged in connection with allegedly faking a report about finding four pieces of candy with sewing needles.

Marlboro Police Capt. Fred Reck said that in his 24 years of being in law enforcement he's never had anyone reporting anything like a pin or razor blade in candy.

"It's very, very rare," Reck said, adding that he has worked most Halloween nights. "I can remember when I was a kid a piece of metal was found in a Jello pudding pop and getting $100 worth of replacements."

He said there are two laws in New Jersey that deal with tampering. Reckless endangerment is used in cases like trick-or-treating where one is enticed to accept a food or drink that is poisonous. The other law covers cases of tampering with food or cosmetic product with something not poisonous.  Reck said it has been used in Marlboro when someone has urinated or spit on food.

Reck still thinks it's a good idea for parents to inspect their kids' Halloween candy.

"I've got four kids and I still look at all their candy and if I see something that's ripped open or fruit, it's going in the garbage. My recommendation would be to look at every product, make sure that every item they bring still have the factory seals in place."

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