By Brittany Lane [1]
BELLEVILLE – While Halloween is a time for tricks, treats, costumes and all around fun, the Halloween Safe Streets [2] program wants to remind the public that it’s also important to remain safe Friday night.
The initiative is made of up local volunteers, including Loyalist College Police Foundation students and community members who want to help keep the streets safe this Halloween.
“The program has been in place for so long that we couldn’t come up with a number,” said Belleville police inspector Marlene Gray, in answer to a question about how long the program has been running.
“What it comes down to is the community making sure there’s community well-being.”
Volunteers will be sent to four different locations within the city where they’ll be separated into small groups and given protective gear like flashlights, maps and street vests to ensure their own safety.
Gray says that while there haven’t been any big issues to make trick or treating unsafe, police feel the program shows support to the community. However, she went on to state that there are safety protocols in place should anything go wrong.
“There’s going to be regular police officers working that night, three will be attached to the group of volunteers,” she said. “If volunteers happen to see anything that raises concern then they will be encouraged to call into the station and make a report.”
Belleville police have also listed a series of security tips on its website that Gray says are important to have a safe and happy time while trick or treating this year. Some of the guidelines are to wear bright colored clothing, to bring a flashlight with you, and to stay away from any strange dogs or people during the course of the night.
Trick or Treating enthusiasts are also reminded to check their candy before eating anything, just in case.