THUNDER BAY - Police are reminding the public to be aware this Halloween night and not just of ghouls, goblins, and monsters.
On Sunday, Thunder Bay Police Service held it’s annual Halloween Safety Display and Winter Clothing Drive at the Balmoral Police Station.
Insp. Ryan Gibson said with so many kids trick-or-treating on Halloween, there is added responsibility on both kids and motorists to take extra precautions.
“Halloween is for kids, they are going to be out there,” he said. “It gets dark earlier. We want everyone to have a good time, but we also want people to remember that as much as it’s on the motorist to pay attention and slow down, we also want kids to be visible.”
Gibson said the best way for kids to stay safe is to be as visible as possible by wear visible clothing or reflectors, travel in groups, go out with adults, and obey all rules of the road.
In the last several years, police have not seen any increase incidents on Halloween, and Gibson believes it’s because people are aware of the dangers and are more careful.
“It’s just we have more people out and about,” he said. “The last couple of years have gone well for us. People are cognizant of the dangers. People are out trick or treating in groups, kids have high visibility markers on them, all those good things that keep them safe.”
Sunday was also the Police Service’s third annual Winter Clothing Drive. Members of the public were invited to drop of gently used winter clothes that will given to people in need at the Balmoral Police Station.
“Throughout the year we have a number of people who come into custody for a variety of reasons and there are a fair amount of people out there who, through no fault of their own, do not have the appropriate clothing for the weather,” Gibson said. “We want to make sure if we can help them out, we will, and make sure they are as comfortable as possible when they leave.”
The clothing drive usually brings in more than 100 coats. Any additional clothing items are donated to community organizations in need.
