Law enforcement gives tips on safer Halloween

Law enforcement officials in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties have Halloween advice for both kids and adults: Don’t eat unsealed candy from strangers and don’t drink and drive.

Law enforcement won’t have DUI checkpoints in place in either county, but they will have extra patrols out in force to keep drunk drivers off the road and trick-or-treaters safe.
 

“Don’t drink and drive,” Sheriff Jim Mele said.

“If you’re going to go to a party, make sure you have a designated driver. Be responsible and have a good time.”

If a designated driver can’t be found, imbibers can call one of the two cab companies that operate in the Sonora area, Mele added.

County buses will not be running late to accommodate drinkers in either county.

A driver doesn’t need to be drunk to hit a child on Halloween night, California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Buller pointed out. That’s why he urges motorists to be on guard on this Saturday night.

“Slow down, watch for children darting out and come to a full stop at intersections,” Buller said.

Mele also had advice for trick-or-treaters and their parents.

“What we suggest is that parents know where their kids are,” he said. “It’s a great idea that parents go out with their kids. They really need to be aware of their surroundings and wear some reflective things on their costumes.”

He also suggested parents give kids  cell phones if they can’t accompany them.

And then there’s the prize of Halloween night — the candy.

“You don’t eat open candy,” Mele said. “Make sure after you’re done trick-or-treating you sit down with your kids and go through the candy.”

But if everything checks out, eat away, he said.   

As far as the best neighborhoods to visit, or those to avoid, Mele had no suggestions.

Neither did Sonora Police Chief Mark Stinson.

“We really have no problem areas in town,” Stinson said, “but we do encourage parents to accompany their children.”    

Stinson did note that parents can check area neighborhoods for convicted sexual offenders at www.megans-law.ca.gov.

Regarding candy, Stinson said, “If it’s suspicious, they should actually throw it away — better safe than sorry.”

Stinson encouraged kids to attend planned Halloween events and forgo the traditional trick-or-treating altogether.

“That way, you don’t have to worry,” he said.    Calaveras County Sheriff Dennis Downum urged trick-or-treaters to “try desperately” to go to houses they’re familiar with, or at least those within their neighborhood, to avoid the prospect of tainted candy.

Downum couldn’t recall a case of unsafe Halloween candy in Calaveras County, but, he noted that nationally “every year there are news reports about it.”

“Why take the chance?” he said.