Halloween in Westport: Trick or Treating “Tips and Tricks”

View fullsize

Photo by Jaime Bairaktaris for WestportNow.com/October 2019, Compo Beach. 

With treat or treating back this year after the pandemic lockdowns - local neighborhoods are preparing for thousands of ghouls and goblins to arrive for their sweet treats. The Westport Police Department has issued safety tips to keep families safe as Westport’s youngest residents turn to the local streets to celebrate. The police department keeps a presence in the most popular trick or treating hotspots, such as the Compo Beach neighborhood and Gault Avenue neighborhoods, while motorists are reminded to watch for crossing costumes. Trick or treating usually begins in the community around 4:00 PM and can be expected to slow down when the community’s teenagers have figured out all the candy has gone for the year.

Westport Police Department

With Halloween almost upon us, the Westport Police Department would like to offer some safety tips.  If everyone adheres to the following suggestions a safe and fun Halloween should be had by all:

Trick or Treaters:

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.

• Agree on a specific time when older children should come home.

• Only go to homes where the outside lights are on.

• Stay Visible – Carry a flashlight/glow sticks and consider affixing glow tape to costumes and bags.

• Never assume a car can see you as visibility is low.  

• Use sidewalks and crosswalks.

• Travel in groups.

• Carry a cell phone – Make sure you and your kids can easily reach one another.

• Never enter a stranger’s home.

• Have an adult examine all candy prior to eating and avoid homemade treats made by strangers.

Drivers:

• Be mindful of pedestrians.

• Do not speed through neighborhoods.

• Use extreme caution – Many trick or treaters are hard to see due to dark colored costumes.

The police department wants everyone to be safe, so please review these safety tips with children who will be trick or treating.   Additionally, extra officers will be out on patrol during Halloween night. 

Have a safe and happy Halloween!