(KNSI) – Little goblins and ghouls will be out collecting candy this weekend for Halloween, and officials want it to be a safe and fun night. St. Cloud Police Department Communications Division Sergeant Tad Hoeschen has some tips.
“One of the biggest things if we could teach anything is just that situational awareness. Make sure you’re trusting the proper age if they’re going to go out by themselves. You know, we don’t want seven year olds with a bunch of seven year olds is walking around the neighborhood by themselves, even if it’s a neighborhood they know. You just want people to be aware.”
He says to make sure kids can see if they have a mask covering their face. Trick-or-treaters should also bring a flashlight or a glow stick if they’re going to be out at night. After a year of COVID, Srg. Hoeschen is expecting more trick-or-treaters in the neighborhoods.
“We are anticipating there’ll be a lot of families out there. It looks like the weather’s gonna be relatively good no blizzards this year. I think we’ll lots of people out. We just want them to enjoy the night and enjoy getting back out to some sort of sense of normalcy.”
He also reminds trick-or-treaters to never go inside anyone’s home. Hoeschen says when the night is done, make sure an adult inspects everything before kids start eating their treats.
“Please continue to check your kids candy. Homemade stuff, especially if it came from somewhere you didn’t know, probably needs to go in the garbage just to be safe, just to be cautious, just to make sure everyone’s staying healthy and safe.”
He advises only going to houses if their outside lights are on. A handful of level three predatory offenders live in the St. Cloud area, and they’re not allowed to participate in trick-or-treating or handing out candy. To see if there are any sex offenders in your neighborhood, click here.
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