Police Urge Halloween Safety Amid Local Risks

Law enforcement across the U.S. and Canada are increasing patrols and issuing Halloween safety guidance to help children and adults get home safely, with departments in communities such as Minot, Austin, Laredo, Phoenix, Richmond County (La.), Kamloops and Lafayette among those involved. Officers are urging parents to supervise children, stick to well-lit neighborhoods, plan routes and obey local curfews, and to use flashlights and reflective or well‑fitting costumes. Drivers are warned to slow down, use crosswalks and be extra vigilant for pedestrians — Austin officials noted a recent October spike in pedestrian crashes. Laredo specifically advises consulting the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry before planning routes and cites a local ordinance restricting offenders from inviting trick‑or‑treaters. Health officials and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission remind families that thousands of Halloween‑related injuries (notably pumpkin‑carving and falls) are treated annually, so parents should supervise activities and inspect treats for tampering or allergens. Recent party violence in the Phoenix area has prompted stepped‑up patrols and appeals to teens to avoid weapons, stay in groups and keep communications open.