Be aware of trick-or-treaters Saturday

Trick-or-treaters will once again be knocking on doors this Saturday from dusk to 8 p.m. And, local law enforcement officials say even with the holiday’s increased popularity, it can involve more dangers and mishaps than any other holiday.

“Many times when parents think of Halloween safety, the first thing they do is remind their kids not to eat unwrapped treats,” Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois said, “and that’s good, but there is so much more to Halloween safety.”

All too often, law enforcement agencies say, a small number of people tends to focus on the “trick” part of Halloween rather than the “treats.”

“Toilet-papering houses and other forms of vandalism often fall into that category,” Bourgeois said. “Parents should inform their children that they should have fun, but some tricks could potentially hurt others or vandalize property.”

Another unfortunate reality of Halloween is the danger that sex offenders are prowling for their next victim.

Parents should be aware that it is illegal for registered sex offenders to distribute candy or gifts to children under 17 years of age. They are also not allowed to wear masks or disguises.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will enact its “Blue Light Special” again this Halloween.

“It’s a tradition our neighborhoods have come to expect and appreciate,” Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said.

Halloween night, all Lafourche deputies will be patrolling with their emergency lights activated during designated trick-or-treating hours.

The Thibodaux and Houma police departments will be assigning additional officers to patrol neighborhoods with their emergency lights flashing on as well.