St. Louis County Police host Halloween Safety Centers
To provide special protection and attention to young children participating in the traditional costumed Halloween observance on Oct. 31, the St. Louis County Police Department once again hosts its Safety Centers in all of its 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 all be assigned to the various locations.
Parents are encouraged to bring their "trick or treaters" to the safety center most convenient to them between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 31. The Safety Centers will have free reflective tape, trick-or treat bags, balloons, candy and costume safety checks.
The following are the Halloween Safety Centers set up in the West County Precinct (256-2602):
* Sorrento Springs Elementary School – 390 Tumulty
* Westbrooke subdivision – Westbrook Terrace and Oak Hall Drive
* Fox Creek Estates subdivision – 1062 Dutch Mill
* Arbor Oaks/Arbor Glen subdivisions – Arbor Haven at Arbor Meadow
* Arbor View subdivision – 1329 Kiefer Bluffs
* Lafayette Farms subdivision – 1147 Chavaniac
* Reber Park – Lindy and Hillcrest, City of Winchester
* Twin Oaks Park – Village of Twin Oaks
* Bentley Manor – common ground at Centurion and Gladiator
* San Luis subdivision – common ground San Luis Rey and Valero
* Summit Heights subdivision – 824 Fall Crown Lane
* Valley Park substation – 320 Benton Street
* Mobile Units – two in Valley Park area
* Mobile Units – two in Clarkson Valley area
In the city of Wildwood Precinct (458-9194), Mobile Safety Centers utilizing uniformed officers in patrol cars will visit various subdivisions.
Parents also are encouraged to have their children go to homes that they are familiar with and to inspect all candy before allowing the child to open it.
To further ensure the safety of the 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.
The police remind parents and children of these 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.
