Overton County deputies will increased Halloween patrols, though traditional holiday mischief has declined in recent years.
Sheriff John Garrett said the calmer trend does not change the Sheriff’s Office preparations for October 31.
“It has shifted over the years and it is definitely not as wild as what it once was with the mischief,” Garrett said. “It’s traditionally over the past few years, it’s been a lot more calm.”
Garrett said deputies can take action when Halloween behavior crosses into a traffic offense or vandalism. Even a traditional prank such as rolling a yard can create consequences.
“Well, let’s think about it if that were your yard,” Garrett said. “Would you want to have to get out there and clean up someone’s mess that they had made in your yard? So I mean, you know, that could possibly result in a vandalism charge.”
Garrett said the department wants to make sure people remain safe during the Halloween holiday.
“We just step up our patrols especially in the bigger neighborhoods where a lot of trick-or-treaters are subject to be,” Garrett said. “And, you know, we really watch for the speeders and people that are not driving the way they’re supposed to.”
Garrett identified motorists as one of the biggest safety concerns for families Halloween night.
“Slow down, slow the speed of your vehicle,” Garrett said. “We’re not in a mad rush, this is Halloween. We’ve got an evening here to trick-or-treat so we don’t have to be in such a rush to get where we’re going. And that just makes things safer for everyone, especially the children that may be walking up and down the roads.”
Parents can also reduce risks for younger trick-or-treaters.
“And I would suggest, you know, if you’ve got small children, don’t send them to a house alone,” Garrett said. “Get out of that vehicle and escort them up to the door.”
Residents can report suspicious activity or minor property vandalism to the Overton County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line.