Halloween Crime Prevention Tips

Los Angeles – Halloween is an exciting time of the year and a particularly special treat for children. However, Halloween can be very stressful, as some people may play mean tricks and provide tainted treats. Parents and children should be alert to unnecessary hazards. Concerns about child security can ruin the joy of Halloween. The following crime prevention tips can help make Halloween safe and more enjoyable for everyone:

Children should wear costumes made of white or light colored material. The costume should be fireproof. If the costume is made of dark material, attach reflector tape on the costume to increase nighttime visibility;

Always escort your children. If you cannot escort your children, you should select another trusted adult to escort them;

At night, children should stay on well-lit streets and carry flashlights;

Know the exact routes your children will take;

Children should always walk on sidewalks and not on the streets;

Children should cross the streets at corners. They should never cross streets between parked cars, in the middle of blocks or diagonally across intersections;

Children should never accept rides from a stranger;

Instruct your children to stay in their own neighborhoods and to trick or treat at homes that have porch lights on;

Give commercially wrapped treats to children you do not know.

Commander Sharon Papa, Department spokesperson, stated "Parents and children can never be too careful, prepared or aware. We hope you will share this information with family and friends. Schedule family discussions to ensure the entire family is aware and prepared to be safe and secure on Halloween. The Los Angeles Police Department wants everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween."

There are many more helpful hints and facts outlined in the LAPD’s "Halloween Crime Prevention Circular." For more information, or to obtain copies of Crime Prevention Circulars, contact the Community Liaison/Crime Prevention Unit, at 213-485-3134, or visit the Los Angeles Police Department’s website at www.lapdonline.org and open the "Building Safer Communities" icon.

This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.