York Regional Police wishes the residents of York Region a safe and happy Halloween.  By working together, we can provide our children with a memorable celebration while ensuring they remain safe. 

On Friday, October 31, 2008, officers from the Community Oriented Response Units, the Traffic Enforcement Bureau, the Air Support Unit and uniform officers will be out on foot, bicycles and vehicles conducting extra patrols on residential streets and in parks, plazas and schools, in an effort to reduce Halloween-related crime.

York Regional Police would like to remind parents and children that Halloween should be safe and following some easy safety tips can ensure Halloween is fun for kids of all ages.

BEFORE HALLOWEEN:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.  Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame
  
• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility
  
• Because masks can limit vision, consider using non-toxic make-up instead
  
• Purchase costumes and accessories that are flame resistant
  
• Use flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.  This is also a good time to replace the batteries in home smoke detectors
  
• Eliminate tripping hazards on your property
  
• Feed your children a good, healthy meal before they go out.  This will discourage them from filling up on Halloween treats that have not yet been checked
  
  DURING TRICK-OR-TREATING:
  
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their rounds
  
• Parents should know the route that older children are going to take
  
• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going
  
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use sidewalks
  
• Never cut across yards.  You may trip on shrubs
  
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian laws.  Do not assume that drivers can see you
  
• If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible
  
• Remove masks before crossing a street
  
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat
  
• Do not eat treats unless checked by an adult you trust
  
  AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:
  
• Sort and check children's candy upon their arrival home.  Although tampering is rare, throw away any suspicious or unwrapped items
  
• Remove items that can cause choking, especially in younger children, or treats that can remove dental work

For more safety tips and information contact the Community Services Bureau at 1-866-874-5423, ext. 7907, or visit our website at www.yrp.ca.