Regina police urge trick-or-treaters to plan out their Halloween

Halloween has come and kids are getting their costumes ready for the big night.

With the time for trick-or-treating just around the corner, the Regina Police Service is urging parents and trick-or-treaters to be aware and prepared. Christeen Shire with the Regina Police Service said parents and kids should have a plan.

“We advise you to potentially stay in familiar neighbourhoods, so if you’re going to go trick-or-treating, maybe ahead of time you can plan a pre-planned route and share that plan with someone before you start; maybe that’s a parent or guardian,” Shire said.

“If you’re not going out with your parents, then make sure while you’re out to stay in a neighbourhood that you’re familiar with and stay on well-lit streets, only knocking on the doors of homes who have their outdoor lights on, making sure that children are walking on sidewalks and being aware of cars.”

In addition to those precautions, Regina police advise that kids add some bright elements to their costumes, such as reflective tape and a flashlight, to cross the streets at crosswalks, and to always look both ways before crossing.

Shire said once children return home, parents should make sure to inspect their children’s candy.

“For parents, when kids are bringing items home, just make sure that what your kids are consuming is safe and that you have a look at it before they’re consuming that candy,” said Shire.

Halloween is also a great time to teach children life lessons.

Family life coach Jenn Dean said that Halloween provides a lot of opportunity for children to learn new skills that can help them later in life.

Dean said something as simple as the act of trick-or-treating can help teach children courage and self-confidence.

“Trick-or-treating, we can encourage our kids to have self-confidence,” she told the Greg Morgan Morning Show. “They’re talking to people; they’re working on their people skills.

“Of course, the math skills (can be learned during) the sorting at the end of the night. You sort all your candy out. (There’s) the negotiating and trading. It’s like a little mini Dragons’ Den going on in your living room when the kids are presenting and negotiating.

“And then, of course, (there’s) the self-control. They want to make (the candy) last, and that takes a lot of self-control. These are all really great character qualities we can develop in our kids through this fun night of Halloween.”

For homeowners, Regina police advise that people lock the doors on their detached garages and sheds, lock any vehicles parked on the street or driveway, do not leave garage door openers in vehicles, and turn on alarms or motion-activated lights when not home.