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Halloween Safety from Dover Police Department 10-16-2017

Dover Police Department

With the upcoming Halloween events around the City of Dover, the Dover Police Department would like to remind parents, children, and motorists to remain alert and keep safety a top priority during this Halloween season.  While we will have extra officers on the streets and in our neighborhoods on Halloween Night, it is important to take note of the safety tips we have provided below.

Trick or Treat Date/Times:

  • Tuesday, October 31st 6:00PM-8:00PM (City of Dover)
  • Participating homes should have their front lights on
  • Households that are not participating should turn off their front lights

Alternative Trick Or Treat Event:

The Dover Police Department will be holding their 2nd Annual Trick or Treat event on Friday, October 27th from 5:30PM-8:00PM at Legislative Mall.  There will be several law enforcement, fire, and other emergency agencies handing out candy, as well as numerous businesses and organizations with candy and other giveaways.  This event is free for all who attend.  Due to limited supplies it is requested that Trick or Treating be reserved for children 13 and younger.  

For more information, visit: DOVER POLICE TRICK-OR-TREAT

Motorist Safety Tips:

  • Motorists are asked to drive with an abundance of caution and travel at a reduced speed in residential areas.
  • Many children and adults will be walking through residential areas and depending on the availability of sidewalks, may be near or on the roadway.
  • Be aware of children inadvertently darting across the street in the path of vehicles.

Trick or Treating Safety Tips:

  • Children should NEVER go Trick or Treating alone.  They should be with a parent/guardian, or a group of friends at all times.
  • Stay off of main roadways.
  • Costumes should fit properly, with no loose/hanging items.
  • Consider face paint instead of masks as they can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Trick or Treaters should carry a flashlight at all times.
  • Utilize glow sticks and/or reflective tape/material attached to costumes and bags for added visibility.
  • Before crossing the street, always look in both directions twice to make sure no vehicles are coming.
  • Inspect all candy to ensure it is not tampered with, prior to consuming it.

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Sex Offender Ordinance for Halloween Festivities:

The Dover Police Department Sex Offender Enforcement Unit would like to remind all offenders living within the City of Dover of the ordinance in regards to Halloween/Holiday festivities.  The Dover Police Department will have extra officers on duty to ensure that offenders comply with the new ordinance, and be on the lookout for suspicious/unsafe activity. If there are any questions or concerns, or you would like to report a non-compliant offender, please notify the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111.

DOVER CITY ORDINANCE:

70-7  Registered Sex Offenders

e)  Prohibited activities for sexual offenders.

(1)  It is unlawful for any sexual offender to participate in a holiday event or practice involving children under 18 years of age, such as distributing candy or other items to children on Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, or any other holiday or event. Participation is to be defined as attendance at, or taking part of, or cooperation with an event.

(2)  It is unlawful for any sexual offender to wear costumes for the primary purpose of entertaining, attracting, or encouraging interaction with children. 

(3)Any person designated a sexual offender shall be required on October thirty-first of each year or any other day upon which Halloween is celebrated to: 

a.  Avoid all Halloween related contact with children;

b.  Post a sign at his/her residence stating, “No candy or treats at this residence.” Such signs shall be in letters at least two inches high and shall be legible from the street or road adjacent to the residence; 

c.  Except for lighting provided on a year round basis by a sexual offender or the owner or manager of a multi-family residential unit for the purpose of security or walkway or hallway illumination, all outside residential lighting shall be off during the evening hours after 5:00 p.m., and no exterior holiday decorations shall be exhibited on the sexual offender’s residence or on the property upon which the residence is located. 

(4)  Holiday events or practices in which the sexual offender is the parent or guardian of the child or children involved, and where no non-familial children are present, are exempt from this section.