Behind the Badge
As Cypress’ tiniest ghouls and goblins ready their candy buckets to scour the neighborhood for treats Friday night, the police department wants to remind residents how to stay safe this Halloween.
“It is so important that our community stays alert and aware so everyone can enjoy the holiday,” said Police Chief Jackie Gomez-Whiteley. “Drivers need to slow down and watch for children, and neighbors should immediately report any suspicious activity to police.
Some of the most common crimes in Orange County on Halloween include drunken driving, vandalism, assault and theft, police said.
Statewide, traffic accidents spike on Halloween and the number of traffic-related pedestrian deaths nearly doubles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This year, law enforcement agencies across California are warning parents of a relatively new danger: marijuana-laced candy packaged to look like common sweets including Kit-Kats, Crunch bars and gummy candies.
While locally there have been no reported cases of children consuming the pot-spiked candy, police said parents should meticulously inspect their child’s treats.
To ensure a happy Halloween, Cypress PD suggests taking these precautions:
For trick-or-treaters
– Young children should always walk with parents, and older children and teens should travel through neighborhoods in groups
– Do not enter any strange houses or cars.
– Map out your trick-or-treating route.
– Attach reflector strips to dark costumes, and carry a flashlight or glow stick.
– Only cross at crosswalks or corners. Don’t walk between cars or cross in the middle of the block.
– Walk, don’t run, when crossing the street.
For parents:
– Sort and inspect your child’s candy when you get home. Throw out any open packets of candy, anything that isn’t factory-sealed and anything that looks or smells suspicious.
– Take small children trick-or-treating when it is still light out. If you have older children, have them set a designated time they will return from trick-or-treating.
– Check your child’s costume before they go out in the neighborhood. Look for any hazards that may cause them to fall.
For drivers:
– Drive with extra caution on neighborhood streets, and avoid them when possible. Slow down, and diligently scan the area while driving.
– Be alert. Watch for adults and children crossing the street.
– If celebrating at a Halloween party, designate a sober driver.
– Turn on headlights, even if it still is light out.
For neighbors:
– If welcoming trick-or-treaters on Friday, clear sidewalks and any walkways of debris that could cause a fall.
– Make sure your home and walkways are well lit.
– Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and immediately report it to police by calling 714-299-6600. In an emergency, call 911.
