Sheriff Will Travis is implementing a new initiative to keep children safe on Halloween this year by increasing patrols in all areas of Denton County.
Patrols will focus their attention on neighborhoods in unincorporated areas of the county such as Lantana, Savannah, and Paloma Creek.
“In addition to keeping our children safe, which is our primary goal, the added patrols will also cut down on much of the criminal mischief associated with Halloween,” said Sheriff Travis.
In addition to the increased patrols, Deputies will knock on doors of registered sex offenders to help make sure children are safe as they participate in trick-or-treating activities.
Sheriff Travis said he is dedicated to making sure the sex offenders are not a threat, not only on Halloween, but year round.
Halloween Safety Tips:
To help keep your trick-or-treaters safe, remember the following tips.
? Accompany children along their route.
? Walk on the sidewalks, not in the street.
? Travel in groups.
? Use flashlights.
? Wear bright, reflective and flame retardant clothing.
? Make sure hooded costumes or masks do not block a child’s vision.
? Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape.
? Do not talk to strangers along the way.
? Go only to well-lit houses with porch lights on.
? Do not enter a home.
? Bring candy home for inspection before eating it – if in doubt, throw it out.
? Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.
Teen Halloween Safety:
Mixed in with the costumes, ghost stories, and haunted attractions this Halloween, some teens may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors as part of the holiday festivities — including vandalism, drinking, drug use and impaired decision-making. Parents can keep safety a priority with these tips:
? Keep tabs on your teens’ whereabouts and have them check in regularly.
? Set clear rules and reiterate the consequences of breaking those rules.
? Be firm and follow through on the consequences.
Motorists:
? Reduce your speed in neighborhoods.
? Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
? Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
? Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
? At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
For additional safety tips, contact the National Safety Council at www.nsc.org.
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