Police offer tips for Halloween safety

It's trick-or-treat time, and Colorado Springs police want to make sure the only frights around town are imaginary.

Police have scheduled additional patrols to watch for drunken drivers, and they are urging parents to keep a watchful eye on their children and carefully inspect the candy they'll be gathering during their house-to-house scramble.

"If that means going with them, then so be it," said Colorado Springs police spokesman Lt. David Whitlock.

There are no prescribed hours for trick-or-treating in Colorado Springs. But with forecasts calling for clear skies and temperatures in the 70s, it's a safe bet kids will be dragging their parents out early and fighting to stay late.

Other tips from police:

• Equip kids with flashlights and cell phones.
• Ask them to stay on sidewalks, obey the rules of the road and walk, not run.
• Make sure kids avoid unfamiliar pets.
• Clothing and costumes should be visible, preferably with reflective tape.
• Children should wear shoes that fit.

People who wish to opt out of providing treats - without courting tricks - should keep their porch lights off. Pets are best kept inside, and lawns should be free of ladders, hoses, dog leashes, flower pots and other obstructions.

Police will be on the lookout for adult mischief. The department will tap a federal grant to pay five additional officers to patrol for drunken drivers - for a total of nine DUI officers.