Suffolk Police Release Tips for a Safe Halloween

is upon us and the Suffolk County Police Department would like to remind everyone to celebrate the holiday in a safe and responsible manner.

Children often let their guard down with the excitement of dressing up and trick-or-treating.

The following safety tips have been offered by the SCPD to help make the festivities fun and safe for all:

• Costumes, masks and shoes should be well-fitting and light-colored to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls, and to increase visibility. If wearing a dark-colored costume, reflectors should be used on costume and bags.
• Take children trick-or-treating during daylight hours. If older children are trick-or-treating without an adult, then plan a route with them and set a time when they should return home.
• Anyone trick-or-treating at night should use a flashlight or glow sticks to increase visibility.
• Remind children to avoid strangers and never to enter a stranger's home.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Eat only factory-wrapped treats.
• Where possible use battery-operated candles or glow sticks in jack-o'-lanterns and luminaries. Place decorations out of the reach of and small children, and never leave candle-lit pumpkins unattended.
• Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency.

With trick-or-treaters walking on neighborhood streets, drivers are reminded to be extra careful on . Motorists should use caution, especially when driving over hills, near curves and when approaching stop signs and crosswalks.

party-goers should always designate a driver prior to attending any festivities where alcohol will be served  — never drink and drive, and safely discourage friends and family from doing so as well.

Halloween Mischief
Unfortunately, criminal mischief and vandalism are prevalent during the season, according to Suffolk Police.

To deter tricksters from damaging your property, make sure your home and property are well-lit. All criminal mischief and vandalism offenses will be taken seriously by the SCPD.

There's no such thing as an "innocent" or "harmless" prank if it involves damaging property or inconveniencing another person, said police.

Laws relating to criminal mischief (commonly known as vandalism) allow for penalties of up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000, police noted. The individual responsible for the damage, and/or his or her parent or guardian, could be ordered to pay restitution and could be held civilly liable, as well, police added.

The use of paintball guns during the season has become increasingly popular, according to the SCPD. Anyone shooting paint balls at individuals, vehicles or other property could be charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, assault or a more serious crime depending on the circumstances.

Improper use of paintball guns isn't a matter to be taken lightly, police said. It's unlawful for a person younger than 16 years of age to possess a paintball gun, and it's unlawful for anyone of any age to possess a paintball gun on school grounds without appropriate written permission, according to police.

This Halloween the SCPD urges residents of Lindenhurst and elsewhere in the county to help keep their communities safe by reporting unusual or suspicious activity.

Report all suspicious activity, persons or vehicles to the SCPD immediately at 631-852-COPS (2677), and dial 911 immediately if you see criminal activity in progress, police advised. .