Halloween Safety Tips from Cobb Police

The wishes to remind the community that Halloween is fast approaching. Halloween is fun for people of all ages, but it's important that you and your children remain safe. These simple tips will help make your Halloween celebration better than ever.

Police expect trick-or-treaters to be out during normal evening hours. "9:30 p.m. at the latest. If you see people out later, we encourage you to call 911," said Sgt. Dana Pierce.

Trick-or-treaters should use sidewalks and driveways, and avoid the street. Parents need to manage their children appropriately. Kids should use flashlights while walking.

Drivers need to use extra caution while driving through communities on Halloween night.

Pierce said that residents who notice suspicious vehicles need to report it. Residents can help police find the vehicle by telling police "CYMBAL":

• Color
• Year
• Make
• Body
• And
• License plate number

Close your garage doors. Lock your automobiles. The number one crime in our community is entering auto [theft of belongings out of motor vehicles], according to Cobb police.

If residents see people cutting through lawns or loitering at the back of houses, or people not associated with trick-or-treating, call the police.

"We will have officers covering all beats. Residents will see an increase in police presence due to neighborhoods that hire part-time police to patrol subdivisions," said Pierce.

Cobb County Police has seen an increase in vandalism throughout various neighborhoods including damage to mailboxes, egging homes and cars, and breaking landscape lights. Most of the time, these crimes are committed by teens. Please help spread the word that it is not just a prank but also a crime to intentionally damage someone else’s property. If a teen is 17 years or older, he or she will be charged as an adult. If the damage exceeds $500, the charge is a felony.

"And, if found guilty, the felony will be permanently on their record," said Pierce.