To provide special protection and attention to young children participating in the traditional costumed Halloween observance on Oct. 31, St. Louis County Police officers once again will host safety centers in the precincts. All of the locations can be identified by the presence of a St. Louis County Police Officer and volunteers. Precinct beat officers, supervisors, neighborhood policing officers, school resource and DARE officers will be assigned to the various locations.
Parents are encouraged to take their trick or treaters to the safety center most convenient to them between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Halloween night. Those safety centers include the following locations:
North County Precinct at Barrington Elementary School; Lewis & Clark Elementary School; Highland Elementary School; Hazelwood Early Childhood Center; Jamestown Mall; Spanish Cove Apartment Office; Jennings Civic Center; Dellwood Recreation Center.
City of Wildwood Precinct at Village Plaza Center and Schnucks Wildwood Crossing Center
West County Precinct at Precinct Station; Westbrooke subdivision; Strawberry Ridge subdivision; Arbor View subdivision; City of Winchester Reber Park; Village of Twin Oaks; Bentley Manor; San Luis subdivision; and Valley Park substation.
City of Fenton Precinct at Riverchase Recreational Complex.
South County Precinct at South County Mall.
Affton Southwest Precinct at Precinct Station.
Central County Precinct at Hanley Hills and Parkway Industrial Learning Center.
Police also encourage families to have their children go to homes with which they are familiar, and to inspect all candy before allowing opening it.
To further ensure the safety of children observing the holiday and the protection of property against vandalism, specialized county police units, including the Metro Air Support Unit and reserve officers, will supplement the normal patrol force, authorities stated.
St. Louis County police and media relations officer Randy Vaughn provided the following important Halloween Safety tips:
- Carry a flashlight to help improve visibility
- Plan a route to take and share it with family members
- Wear light-colored or reflective clothing
- Only cross streets at crosswalks or street corners
- Only visit homes where a porch light is on
- Never go into any stranger's home
- Immediately report all suspicious activity or treats to police
- Drivers should use extreme caution when traveling through a subdivision. Drive slowly and alertly.
