Lawrence and Douglas County

Lawrence and Douglas county

Lawrence police encourage safety on Halloween

Extra patrols likely downtown as festivities begin around 5 p.m.

Adobe Flash player 9 is required to view this video
Get Adobe Flash player

Trick-or-treat time is almost here, but with the haunted holiday falling on a Friday night this year, police expect more than just the usual Halloween hijinks.

October 30, 2008

Advertisement

With Halloween falling on a Friday night this year, Lawrence police are anticipating more than just the usual trick-or-treating.

Officers expect more parties for the older crowd and are encouraging people to celebrate responsibly.

"Have a good time," said Sgt. Bill Cory, police spokesman. "We just encourage everybody to be responsible when they're out on Halloween night. Have designated drivers."

Police will respond to loud and rowdy parties that are called in, as well as any suspicious activity, Cory said. Random bar checks may also be conducted.

Extra police officers will likely be on foot patrol as downtown merchants greet children with treats during Downtown Lawrence Halloween Trick-or-Treat festivities that begin at 5 p.m., Cory said.

Police are also reminding parents to supervise their children, never leave them alone, and trick-or-treat at familiar homes only.

"We don't want anyone to be over-paranoid, but we want them to be cautious when they have their children around strangers," Cory said.

State prison parole staff has increased supervision of paroled sex offenders during the Halloween season to help keep children safe, the Kansas Department of Corrections said in a news release Thursday.

The staff will make unannounced visits to the homes of sex offenders and is meeting with offenders to remind them they can't hand out candy or display Halloween decorations.

Corrections secretary Roger Werholtz said it's rare for sex offenders to victimize children during traditional Halloween activities.

More like this