Halloween Safety Tips for Your Little Devil

Trenton Police Chief William Lilienthal shared with Trenton Patch an open letter he wrote to the community:

The designated hours for "trick or treating" on Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31, are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Trenton Police Department offers the following tips to make this event as safe as possible.

• Adults should escort children while they trick-or-treat. If an adult cannot go, trick-or-treat with a group of 3-5 people.
• Plan your route ahead of time and pick streets that are well lighted.
• Never enter a stranger's home to obtain a treat.
• Carry a flashlight so you can see and be seen easily.
• Realistic replica firearms should never be used.
• Never take short cuts through backyards or alleys.
• Walk and never run while trick-or-treating.
• Look carefully when crossing the street and cross only at corners. Stop, look and listen.
• Keep pets at home.
• Only give and accept wrapped or packaged candy.
• All fruit should be discarded unless you know the source is safe.
• Parent should carefully inspect all treats before eating, looking for signs of tampering or metal objects. Any treats with suspicion of tampering can be brought to the Trenton Police Department for metal detection between the hours of 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Halloween.
• Suspicious persons should be reported to the police department.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!