TROY, N.Y. - Many families will be celebrating Halloween Wednesday night, and local police want to make sure everyone is safe.
Troy Police Captain John Cooney says Halloween is always a busy night for the department, mostly because of the proactive approach they take to make sure kids enjoy the tradition of trick-or-treating.
"Halloween is a very unique holiday. It's the only one we encourage our children to go and meet strangers all night long," Cooney says.
The Halloween spirit in full swing at Troy's Unity Sunshine School where princesses, super heroes, witches and pirates are all strutting their stuff at the school's annual Halloween parade, many of whom are planning to go door-to-door for candy Wednesday night.
"We'll just be keeping an eye on the areas of concern, maximum police presence will lead to minimum public risk," Cooney says.
Troy Police are planning extra patrols, especially after shots rang out at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Swift Street Tuesday night. No one was hurt, but officers are not taking any chances that a child would be caught in any potential crossfire.
Officers will also be monitoring registered sex offender's homes, but parents are still encouraged to be vigilant.
"It's the non-registered offenders that we have to worry about," Cooney said. "It's those who now have opportunity because we won't be necessarily watching their door."
In Albany, Pastor Muller is hoping to keep kids safe by keeping them indoors this year. The annual Safe Night Out event moved inside because of weather concerns, but the goal remains the same: A safe and fun night.
Troy is encouraging trick-or-treaters to get out while it's still light out and to have flashlights, reflectors on costumes, and travel in groups.
NEWS10 ABC
