Police Plan Trick-or-Treat Safety Talk at Library

Trick-or-Treat is supposed to be a fun occasion for families, but it can also present hazards for children, due to poor lighting and the need to cross darkened streets in order to go from home to home. Bulky costumes that make it difficult to walk, masks that obscure peripheral vision and heavy bags filled with candy can also contribute to the dangers inherent in this beloved fall tradition.

With the safety of local kids in mind, the Hellertown Police Department has planned a talk about Trick-or-Treat best practices at the on Oct. 11 at 10am.

"We're just going to go over how to dress...and things like that," Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council Oct. 3.

The presentation is open to members of the public. Trick-or-Treat in Hellertown will be held from 6 to 8pm on Friday, Oct. 28.

Shupp also announced to council that borough police officers will be participating in the 15th annual Operation Safe Stop on Oct. 19.

Operation Safe Stop is an event that promotes school bus safety and is part of National School Bus Safety Week, which is from Oct. 17 to Oct. 21.

Shupp said that although most motorists in Hellertown are conscientious and adhere to traffic laws involving school buses, the police department's participation in Operation Safe Stop will help promote a good relationship with the community.

As part of the effort, officers will follow school buses throughout town to ensure that motorists are stopping when students are picked up or discharged, as well as obeying all other applicable laws, he said.