Celebrate Halloween with these safety tips

Kids and families took advantage of the fun, scares and the full-size candy bars at a Halloween event Saturday on the plaza at the Capri Theater. Photo by Azhaela Hanson.

By Jaivon Hill and Michael Roberts IV, North High School

Spooky season is here and with that comes tricks, treats and lots of scares.

On Halloween, a holiday that in part celebrates the art of disguising yourself, the scares aren’t always because of freaky costumes.

With children getting ready to go trick-or-treating Monday night, North High School student journalists sought the advice of police and parents on ways to safely celebrate.

Charles Adams III, who served 20 years as an officer in the Minneapolis Police Department, said theft and robberies are common around this holiday.

Adams advised common sense: Stay aware of your surroundings. 

“Most residents should be aware of their surroundings when they’re out in the neighborhood,” Adams said. “Stay in groups and be cautious of any unsafe areas.”  

Because of the opportunity for crime to surge during Halloween, MPD assigns additional patrols for the safety of kids out trick-or-treating.

Northsiders got a chance to preview their costumes Saturday evening at the Capri Theater. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

Crystal Brown, a mother of four, said the best thing a parent can do to keep younger children safe on Halloween is to keep their eyes on them at all times. It is especially important that kids and their parents pay attention to cars.

“Always know where your adult is, and for the older celebrators, use your Spidey senses,” she said. “If something feels wrong, leave.”

Minneapolis police officer Ricky Plunkett said he is encouraging people to avoid dark areas and for parents to stay with their younger children. 

“Try to be done with trick-or-treating by 7:30 p.m.,'' Plunkett said. “And don’t let your young kids go up to a door by themselves.”