Van Buren Twp. Police to be out in full force on Halloween night

“Historically, Van Buren Township Police and Fire Departments have increased personnel staffing on Halloween evening when our communities’ children are out and about Trick or Treating, said VBT Public Safety Director Gregory Laurain in a news release.
“This year is no different and we will also be offering candy checks in the lobby of the police department for those families who wish to stop by at 46425 Tyler Road where our officers will be ready and happy to check candy from our children.
“This year we added Selected Enforcement Units to patrol our subdivisions and will be keeping an eye out for the safety of our kids during the hours of 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This Selected Enforcement will consist of high visibility marked patrol units assigned to specific areas where we anticipate heavy foot traffic,” Director Laurain said.
Halloween has been celebrated on Oct. 31 in the United States since the early 1800s and is traditionally a family‐oriented holiday when children get to dress up and enjoy candy and other treats, Laurain said.
In order to assist the Van Buren Township community in enjoying this fun‐filled holiday as safely as possible, the Van Buren Public Safety Department has compiled the following Halloween safety tips for children, their parents, homeowners and motorists.
Remember, this is a community effort in keeping our children safe and ensuring a fun time for all our residents, he said. Van Buren Public Safety Department is wishing all of you a safe and the spookiest of cultural holidays this year.
PARENTS
• Always escort your children if possible and carry a flashlight and cell phone.
• Be familiar with the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or-treating.
• Set a specific time for your child/children to be out.
• Always know who is trick-or-treating with your children.
• Walk on the sidewalks and not in the middle of the street.
• Instruct your children NEVER to enter any homes.
• Stay in well-lighted areas.
• Inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them.
• Choose fireproof comfortable costumes made of light colored material so they can be easily seen in the dark.
• Consider placing reflective or glow in the dark tape on your children’s costumes.
• Have children avoid wearing eye makeup or masks, which will restrict their vision.
• Avoid having children carry replica firearms, swords, or toys which can be mistaken for the real thing.
• Give out only commercially wrapped candy.
• Teach children their home and/or parent’s cellular phone number in case they get lost.
• Consider a Halloween party at your residence instead of going out to trick-or-treat.