With Halloween just around the corner, Golden-Field RCMP reminds residents to stay safe while enjoying the festivities. Officers will be conducting increased patrols throughout the community and will be highly visible to help ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all.
Additional officers will be deployed across town on Halloween, supported by community policing volunteers conducting outreach and crime prevention activities. Focus will be on maintaining safety for everyone, especially as sidewalks fill with trick-or-treaters. Officers will also be conducting proactive patrols to deter unsafe or suspicious activity.
Road safety reminder
Halloween is a busy night with many children and families on the roadways walking through neighbourhoods. Drivers are reminded to exercise caution, especially during peak trick-or-treating hours. Reduce speed in residential areas and keep an eye out for children crossing the street unexpectedly.
Make a safety plan for children
Parents and caregivers should ensure that older children, who may be trick-or-treating without an adult, walk in groups and stay together. Ensure your child has a watch (or cell phone) to meet an agreed-upon curfew. Children of all ages should know what to do in case of an emergency and how to get help if they are separated from their group. All children should be reminded to stay on sidewalks and cross the road safely at marked crosswalks.
Costume safety
Costumes should be bright and reflective to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Face paint is recommended instead of masks, as masks can limit visibility and impair safe movement.
If your child is wearing a costume that is long or has flowing fabric, ensure that it does not pose a tripping or strangulation hazard.
“Flashlights and glowsticks are recommended as it increases the visibility for the young ghouls and goblins,” says Sgt. Mercier.
Check your candy
Parents and caregivers are reminded to inspect all treats that children receive. Though reports of tampering are rare, a 2022 incident involving a child ingesting an edible cannabis product is a reminder to stay vigilant. Look for labels such as “THC” or “Cannabis” and discard any suspicious items. If anything seems off, report it to the police immediately.
Celebrate responsibly
We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly. Avoid unsafe behaviour, report any suspicious activities, and look out for one another. Whether you’re on foot, behind the wheel, or handing out treats, help us ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all.
