Report a Crime Safely and Anonymously

Did you know that any crime or tip you report to us is done anonymously though a secure system?

» Learn More

Press Release: October 22nd, 2010 NCPC Article 5/5
For Immediate Release: Halloween Safety Tips for the Family during Crime Prevention Month

Amite, LA – Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween. Crime Stoppers urges parents to have a Trick-or-Treat route plan and asks them to follow a few simple tips to protect their children. The National Crime Prevention Council suggests “Playing it Safe on Halloween” and offers the following “Pointers” for parents and children:

Halloween is a fun holiday for kids, but for parents, trick-or-treat time can be a little scary. Concerns about children’s safety – whether they are out in the neighborhood or back home with bountiful bags of goodies-can cast a spell on the evening’s festivities. But not to Worry! Following a few safety tips will ensure that Halloween will be a “howling” good time for all!

  • Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning on your exterior lights.
  • Remove Hazardous objects from your yard.
  • Ask your Neighborhood Watch Group to patrol the neighborhood and recruit volunteers to be “witches helpers” to help children cross the street.
  • Drive slowly all evening-you never know what creatures may suddenly cross your path
  • Consider hosting a Halloween party with games and treats to avoid trick-or-treating troubles.
  • Make costumes safe- check to make sure they are flame-retardant so your little one is not in danger near candlelit jack-o-lanterns. Keep them short to avoid trips and falls. Try makeup instead of a mask so nothing obstructs their vision when they are crossing streets and going up and down stairs. Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes. Encourage children to create or wear costumes that do not need fake weapons to be scary and fun.
  • Stay with your young child at all times and if you can’t be with them make sure your older children go out with friends in groups. If you live in a rural area drive them all in your car.
  • Set a time limit for trick-or-treat and map out a safe route, not taking any shortcuts through dark alleys or fields. Try to get them to trick-or-treat while it is still light outside. Parents- check www.TPSO.org for a list of registered sex offenders along your route. They are not allowed to hand out candy, wear masks, or participate in the trick-or-treat holiday. If you see someone that looks suspicious call 9-1-1.
  • Carry a flashlight, glow-stick, or reflective bag.
  • Do not let you children eat their treats until they get home and you have checked them in a well lighted area. Only eat unopened checked candies that are in their original wrappers and don’t forget to inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious. To keep them from snacking while you are still out feed them a substantial meal before you leave home.

Have a SAFE and fun Holiday! For more information please visit www.ncpc.org or www.mcgruff.org . To report ghoulish crimes anonymously call 1-800-554-5245 (JAIL). You will never be asked for your name and you may be eligible for a cash reward if your tip results in an arrest.