As Halloween approaches, we encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly and help keep our neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses safe.
Halloween should be a fun and memorable evening for children and families, not an opportunity for vandalism, trespassing, theft, or property damage. While most residents celebrate responsibly, every year law enforcement agencies receive reports of criminal activity that goes beyond harmless pranks and results in significant damage to public and private property.
Security Cameras Are Not Halloween Props
The community should be aware that many homes, schools, businesses, community facilities, and city-owned properties are equipped with surveillance cameras and video recording systems. These systems play an important role in protecting people, preventing crime, and identifying suspects involved in criminal acts. Intentionally damaging or destroying security cameras, recording equipment, or other surveillance systems may constitute a criminal offense and can result in arrest, criminal charges, fines, restitution, and/or other legal consequences.
Parents: Please Talk With Your Children
Parents and guardians are encouraged to have conversations with their children and teens about making responsible choices. What may seem like a joke or social media challenge can quickly become a criminal matter when property is damaged or stolen.
Children should understand that:
• Damaging decorations, mailboxes, fences, vehicles, cameras, or school property is vandalism.
• Tampering with security equipment is a serious offense.
• Trespassing onto private property can lead to enforcement action.
• Social media popularity is not worth the consequences of a criminal investigation or arrest.
General Halloween Safety Tips
To help ensure a safe Halloween:
• Travel in groups whenever possible.
• Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks.
• Carry flashlights or wear reflective clothing.
• Stay in well-lit areas.
• Drivers should slow down and remain alert for pedestrians.
• Parents should inspect candy before it is consumed.
• Report suspicious activity or criminal behavior immediately.
Community Responsibility
Our schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and public facilities belong to all of us. We ask every resident to help create a safe environment by respecting other people's property and looking out for one another.
Those who choose to engage in vandalism, theft, or the destruction of surveillance equipment should understand that these actions carry real consequences and will be investigated accordingly.
The Fremont Police Department wishes everyone a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Halloween. We thank our schools, families, community partners, and residents for helping protect our neighborhoods and keeping our city a welcoming place to live, work, and celebrate.
