Date Change: Vernon Hills Trick-Or-Treat

VERNON HILLS, IL — Due to the possibility of very low temperatures and the first snow fall of the year, the Village of Vernon Hills has changed their 2019 trick-or-treating hours to 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, according to a release from the Vernon Hills Police Department. This is a change to the original suggested hours of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.

According to the release, this date and time change is being made to provide a safe alternative for residents and members of the public, as temperatures are projected to be in the low 20s.

“This decision was not made lightly, because we understand some residents may be
disappointed or inconvenienced,”Chief Patrick Kreis said, in the release. “With an increased amount of children out in neighborhoods trick-or-treating during the evening rush hour, a mix of
wintry weather could unnecessarily put those looking to enjoy the holiday in harm’s
way. The safety of everyone involved is our highest priority.”

Anyone with questions can contact the VHPD's Crime Prevention Unit by calling 847-247-4889 or through the department’s website at vhpd.com.

To go along with this, the VHPD's Crime Prevention Unit has provided some simple, common sense suggestions for both adults and children, according to the release:

• Children should be instructed not to accept rides with strangers or older children not known to them and their parents.
• An adult should accompany very young children.
• Trick-or-treat visits should be confined to your own immediate neighborhood.

• Children should be advised not to enter any home unless it is one of a relative or known friend.
• Do not invite trick-or-treaters into your home.
• Children should be instructed to be courteous and respectful of the property of others.
• When planning on a costume, keep in mind that long costumes and high-heeled shoes may be unsafe when climbing stairs and crossing streets.
• Think about using make-up instead of wearing a mask, which can obstruct vision.
• Light colored, non-flammable costumes should be worn and a flashlight should be carried to be seen after dark.
• Children should be aware of pets. Some costumes may excite animals.
• Keep your porch light and/or driveway light on.
• Children should be careful of traffic. Also, adults who are out driving should exercise extreme caution during trick-or-treat hours.
• Children should be instructed to wait until they return home before eating any of their treats. Parents should check all candy and treats thoroughly. Throw away all unwrapped or loosely wrapped candy, fruit and anything that just doesn't look right.

More: Libertyville 2019 Halloween Sex Offender Safety Map

>> Registered sex offenders in Vernon Hills according to the state registry.

All citizens should also remember to call 911 immediately if anyone or anything
suspicious is observed.