As Evanston residents prepare for trick-or-treating and Halloween parties, the Evanston Police Department is upping its personnel on duty to respond to an increased number of calls, Deputy Chief Joseph Bellino said.

Minor vandalism is also a problem on Halloween, Bellino said.

The most common incidents reported are egging and toilet papering. In recent years, EPD has asked stores to be discerning when selling items such as toilet paper and eggs to teenagers.

EPD also usually receives calls about children getting their candy stolen or concerns about large groups of teenagers, Bellino said.

“It’s not like Hell Week in Detroit, but we still try to keep everybody safe,” Bellino said.

With so many children on the streets trick-or-treating, Bellino stressed safety as the first concern. One way parents can help keep Halloween safe, he said, is to make sure their children adhere to the designated trick-or-treating hours, which are 4 to 7 p.m., and accompany their children when they go out.

“I strongly urge parents to take kids trick-or-treating rather than sending them,” Bellino said.

Bellino also suggested using face paint rather than masks, which restrict children’s vision. He also suggested parents inspect all candy before children eat it. He said all youths should carry flashlights, to help them see and also to help drivers see them.

University Police Assistant Chief Dan McAleer said Halloween does not usually cause any major problems at Northwestern, especially if it falls on a weeknight. UP doesn’t add any staff on Oct. 3, but McAleer said the patrol focuses on areas where there may be children trick-or-treating. McAleer said a major concern is keeping children safe from cars, especially because it gets darker earlier.

“We’re concerned if we have children coming onto NU property that they’re crossing the street safely,” McAleer said.

-Annie Martin