At the Halloween safety workshop held at Monroe Houses (Credit: Jacqueline Quynh)
Throwing hair removal cream at people’s heads, spray painting and carrying a toy gun were a few of the things police warned kids not do this Halloween at a safety workshop in the South Bronx.
The seminar was a first for New York City Police Department Detective Catherine Nelson. She designed the program for children ages 5-14 who live in housing developments near the Bronx River. “It’s part of an effort to have children celebrate Halloween safely and let them know what they can do to have fun,” said Nelson. In the nearly two-hour presentation, police outlined potential dangers and cautioned everyone to stay out of trouble this holiday.
The meeting was held at the Monroe Houses near Story Avenue and Rosedale Avenue. NYPD Auxiliary Lieutenant Joseph Balaez gave a PowerPoint presentation on safety tips to nearly 30 kids from the area. Kids were rewarded with digital key chains and light-up pens for their participation and attention.
Balaez had several suggestions for trick-or-treaters. “Try to travel in large groups so cars can see you, and don’t cross through empty yards or dark alleys,” he said. Regarding costumes, he cautioned kids not to wear anything too long that could cause them to fall. And, he warned, “if a stranger offers you candy but tells you to come inside to get it, leave.”
For younger kids, who often don’t have cell phones, Balaez had a suggestion. “Carry quarters, so if you get lost you can try to find a public pay phone to let your parents know you need help.” His most important advice was directed to kids of all ages. “Don’t carry a toy gun,” he said. “It is not a good idea.” Toy guns can cause problems, because they often look too much like the real thing.
Balaez also had a special message about a favorite Halloween activity. “Egging cars and houses is not safe,” he said. “You are vandalizing property.” He warned that doing so is a crime that can lead to arrest and penalties.
Children aren’t the only ones being advised about how to stay safe on Halloween. Due to a rise in violence against seniors on the holiday in recent years, police in the South Bronx also sponsored a workshop last week on senior safety awareness.
