Boys dressed up as Toronto Blue Jays players for Halloween. Blackburn Media photo by Melanie Irwin.Boys dressed up as Toronto Blue Jays players for Halloween. Blackburn Media photo by Melanie Irwin.
Sarnia

Sarnia police chief encourages 'self imposed' trick-or-treating curfew for Blue Jays fans

The Sarnia Police Service wants everyone to have a fun, safe and uneventful Halloween.

Chief Derek Davis said it's important young children stay with their parents and be visible.

"Anyone that has a reflector or a light source, don't dart out into traffic... there's just a lot of general safety rules," Davis said. "Be seen, be careful, look both ways before you cross the street [and] I think everyone will have a great Halloween."

He encourages residents to be clear whether or not they're welcoming trick-or-treaters.

"In tradition, I think if your house is blacked out you're not participating and if the lights on out front and inviting people to come on up... then that's the implied consent to come to come knock on the door," said Davis.

He said officers will be monitoring busy neighbourhoods.

"We're going to put out some extra patrols like we did last year," Davis said. "I know we were dealing with a little bit of a different circumstance in terms of Rainbow Park last year, but it was a great opportunity for our officers to go out and be visible and help keep everyone safe, and participate in the night for the sake of the kids. We're looking forward to doing that again this year."

When everyone gets home, chief Davis said it's a good idea to examine the treats before children eat them.

"I think that's a good step for parents, to take a look and just be cautious and make sure there's nothing in that bag that shouldn't be in there," said Davis.

He's not aware of any local cases where treats have been tampered with, but urges caution nonetheless.

"There's always rumours every Halloween, but even throughout my career... I can't think of a single incident that substantiated a case. But, that's not to say it can't happen," Davis said.

Lambton OPP is also reminding motorists to exercise caution, drive slowly and watch for children waling or crossing the street unexpectedly.

OPP said parents and kids should make sure they're seen and wear bright and reflective costumes or carry a glow stick or flashlight.

When asked if the service would enact a 7:45 p.m. curfew on Friday to ensure Toronto Blue Jays fans can watch Game Six of the World Series, Davis laughed.

"I think in that case, [the curfew] may be self imposed to not miss a minute of that one," he said.

Sarnia police officers will be handing out candy in front of the Christina Street headquarters from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Chief Davis wouldn't verify their timeframe was linked to Game Six either.

"I can't confirm that, but it's definitely a factor in terms of the timing," Davis said.

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File photo courtesy of  © Can Stock Photo Inc. / dehooks

Scoreboard, Oct 30

The Toronto Blue Jays opened Game 5 of the World Series with back-to-back homers in a 6-1 victory over the Dodgers in LA Wednesday. The Blue Jays now lead the best of seven Fall Classic 3-2.