Ghouls and goblins of all ages are sure to be out in full force Friday night, for Halloween. But, Lawrence police will also to be out helping all the ghosts and vampires stay safe.

At 11 a.m. Thursday, Sgt. Bill Cory will answer your questions regarding Halloween safety and discuss the naughty behavior officers will be looking for as the older crowd celebrates the haunted holiday.

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where is the best neighborhood in Lawrence to find snickers candy bars?

Moderator

Boo!

I’m Jesse Fray, crime and safety reporter for 6News and the Lawrence Journal-World. I’ll be moderating today’s chat with Lawrence Police Sgt. Bill Cory. Thanks for joining us.

Please submit your questions.

Moderator

Sgt. Cory, what advice do you have for families this Halloween?

Sgt. Bill Cory

The Lawrence Police Department has several tips on Halloween safety. First, we encourage all children to have adult supervision while trick or treating. Always walk on the sidewalk and carry a flashlight. Try to wear clothing with reflective marking or tape. When you are finished with trick or treating have an adult inspect you candy and only eat commercially wrapped products.

Moderator

Do you expect things to be rowdier this year, with Halloween falling on a Friday night?

Sgt. Bill Cory

With the normal children trick or treating no, but because it falls on a Friday there will probably be an increase of parties. We just want to remind everyone to have fun responsibly.

Raider

With the recent cat mutilations on the west side, do you expect an even greater increase in this type of activity over the Halloween weekend?

Sgt. Bill Cory

No more cases of mutilations have been reported recently and two of the reported cases were animal on animal attacks. With that said we encourage anyone who see any suspicious activity to call the Lawrence Police Department.

Moderator

Will additional police officers be on the streets tomorrow night for Halloween? What will their duties be?

gdiepenb

What do police patrols generally try to do on Halloween night? Anything different than normal?

Sgt. Bill Cory

When possible we will staff extra officers during the patrol shifts. These officers can be assigned to a variety of extra duties that include crowd control or foot patrol for special events like trick or treating downtown. For Halloween we will be running normal shifts with a few extra officers to assist with trick or treating.

ChristineMetz

What are the safest parts of town to trick or treat in?

Sgt. Bill Cory

All areas of Lawrence are safe but the Lawrence Police Department encourages residents to stay in familiar neighborhoods and visit only homes you know.

Moderator

Another question from our friend George…

gdiepenb

What should parents look for when inspecting candy?

Sgt. Bill Cory

Although tampering is rare look for candy that may have been unwrapped and rewrapped or the packaging is discolored. Any candy that might have holes in the wrappers or anything else that makes you suspicious just discard.

Moderator

Some people might be worried about going to homes where a dangerous person lives, like a sex offender. What should parents look out for?

Sgt. Bill Cory

Parents should always keep an good eye on their children when interacting with people they do not know. Never leave your children alone with strangers and talk with you children about what to do if approached by a stranger. Again, only visit the homes of people you know and if anyone sees suspicious behavior they should call the Lawrence Police Department.

Moderator

Thanks for joining us, Sgt. Cory. Happy Halloween!

Sgt. Bill Cory

Thank you for having me and remember to have a good time responsibly.