Police are preparing to keep the tricks to a minimum during Halloween.
There will be a full complement of officers, auxiliary forces and Citizens Patrol volunteers during festivities in the North Okanagan.
“With Halloween on a Friday, we expect to be busier,” said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
“There are more parties and activities when Halloween is on a weekend compared to the middle of the week.”
In Vernon, city bylaws prohibit the use of fire crackers and fireworks unless a trained person has a permit and liability insurance.
Parents should talk to their children about not running back and forth across streets when trick-or-treating.
“Have something reflective on so you can be seen,” said Molendyk, adding that children should also carry a flashlight and wear a costume that allows them to move around easily.
Vernon’s community policing office has issued a few Halloween tips.
Always trick-or-treat with a friend. Younger children should be with an adult.
Glow sticks and reflective tape help people in vehicles see trick-or-treaters in the dark.
If you must wear a mask, make the eyeholes larger so you can see. Push the mask up on your head when you are walking.
Only go to well-lit homes and only accept treats at the door. Never go inside.
Plan a trick-or-treat route and a curfew time for older trick-or-treaters.
Always have a parent check over candy before eating the treats.
Children can stop by the community policing office at 2900 32nd Ave. for a trick-or-treat bag, along with Halloween-safety-themed colouring book, and a treat or two, while quantities last.
The community policing office will open as part of the Downtown Vernon Association’s Trick-or-Treat Trail Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.
