Full Notification

The New Castle Police Department (NCPD) promotes child safety and supervision all year, especially on Halloween. Parents can follow a few safety tips as children head out 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 masks; they restrict vision. If a mask is necessary, cut large eye holes. Make-up or face paint is much safer because it won't block vision.
• Toy weapons, wands, brooms, swords, etc., should be made of cardboard; it's safer than plastic, wood, or metal.
• Write your child's name, address, and phone number inside their costume in case of an emergency or if they get lost.
• Children should wear comfortable shoes. Shoes that don’t fit well may cause falls.
• Trick-or-treat bags shouldn’t be too large. They can block vision or cause a child to trip.
• Ensure wigs and costumes are fireproof.

• Eat a full meal before going out so your child won't be tempted to eat treats before they've been checked properly. Tell your children not to eat anything until you've verified 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, and never enter a home.
• Cross streets at corners, not 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 entering 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're sure of the source.
• Wash fruit, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Soft candy should also be cut into pieces before eating.
• Homemade treats should only be eaten if you're certain they come from a safe source.
• Some hospitals may x-ray treat bag contents. Check with your local hospital for more information.

• • Halloween is a time when you should be cautious around strangers.
• • Avoid playing pranks, as damaging others' property is a crime.
• • If your child falls victim to a crime such as stolen candy, intimidation, or threats, consider talking to the suspect's parents or calling the police if you want to pursue charges.

• Turn on your porch light.
• Avoid lighting candles near walkways. Use a battery-operated light source to illuminate luminaries or a jack-o-lantern.
• Keep walkways clear and well-lit.
• Don't let anyone you don't know into your home.

• Local shopping malls often host 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.