Full Notification

The New Castle Police Department (NCPD) encourages child safety and supervision throughout the year, especially on Halloween.  Parents can follow a few safety precautions as children take to neighborhood streets for trick-or-treating
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Costume Suggestions:
 

• Choose light or bright-colored costumes and use light-reflective tape.
• Children shouldn't wear a mask; it restricts vision. If a mask must be worn, cut large eye holes. Make-up or face paint is much safer because it won't obstruct vision.
• Toy weapons, wands, brooms, swords, etc., should be made of cardboard; it's safer than plastic, wood, or metal. 
• Put your child's name, address, and phone number inside their costume in case of an accident or lost child.
• Children should wear comfortable shoes. Poor-fitting shoes may cause a fall.
• Trick or Treat bags should not be too large. They can obscure vision or cause a child to trip.
• Make sure wigs and costumes are fireproof.

• Eat a full meal before going out so your child won't be tempted to eat treats before they can be checked appropriately. Tell your children not to eat anything until you've checked it.
• Plan your child's route and visit only well-lit homes in your neighborhood.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Travel in a group or with an adult. Never enter a home.
• Cross streets at corners, never from between two vehicles.
• When crossing a street, STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN. Look both ways before crossing.
• Walk on the sidewalk or facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
• Watch for cars driving into or backing out of driveways.

• Check for holes or loose wrappers. Pour powdered candy into a container and look for lumps or discoloration.
• Don't eat opened candy, fruit, etc., unless you know the person it came from.
• Wash the fruit, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Soft candy should also be cut up into pieces before eating.
• Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you are absolutely sure they came from a safe source.
• Some hospitals will x-ray treat bag contents. Check with your local hospital for additional information.

• Halloween is a good time for dangerous strangers, so be careful.
• Don't play pranks. Damaging other people's property is a crime.
• If your child is a victim of a crime (stolen candy, intimidation, threats, etc.), either talk to the suspect's parents or call the police if you wish to prosecute.

• Turn on your porch light.
• Do not light candles around the walkways. Use a battery-operated light source to light luminaries or to light a jack-o-lantern.
• Keep walkways unobstructed and well-lit.
• Don't let anyone you don't know into your home.

• Local shopping malls will sometimes have Trick or Treat nights.
• Local churches sponsor Trunk or Treats.
• Attend community-sponsored events.
• Host a family party.
• Join your neighbors for a themed block party.