Police Give Info on Halloween Patrols in Ellicott City

The Howard County Police Department is ready for Halloween and provided some tips for residents to stay safe as well.

Officers will be on patrol in neighborhoods Friday for the festivities. Police will be visible and advised trick-or-treaters and residents do the same. Those in costume should wear light colors or reflective tape and avoid masks that obscure vision. Residents should leave porch or outside lights on to let trick-or-treaters know they are welcome, and remove objects that may be hazardous in the path to the door.

Drivers should drive more slowly and be on alert for trick or treaters. Police will be on the lookout for speeders and drunk or impaired drivers, according to a statement from the Howard County Police Department.

In addition to road safety, officers will be keeping an eye out for vandalism, theft and destruction of property.

To preparation for Halloween, the department conducted a sweep of all registered sex offenders in the county, according to police, who issued this statement: “Registered offenders on probation were reminded that they are forbidden from participating in Halloween. Detectives conduct regular visits to verify sex offenders’ residences and places of employment. They also follow-up on complaints from the community about offenders who may not be living at their registered locations. A link to the Maryland Sex Offender Registry can be found at www.HCPD.org.”

Howard County police provided these safety tips:

• Encourage children to trick-or-treat with a group before dark.
• Set a time limit for children to trick-or-treat. Remind them not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or fields.
• Carry a flashlight and choose well-lighted streets.
• Chaperone children after dark. Young children should always be accompanied by adults.
• Wear costumes that are flame retardant and snug (not dragging). Incorporate light colors or reflective tape.
• Avoid masks that can obstruct vision.
• Remind children they should NEVER go into a stranger’s home or car.
• Let children know they wait to eat treats until they have been inspected by parents. Never eat candy that’s been opened.
• Drive slowly all evening—you never know when a trick-or-treater may dart into the street.