Keeping watch

Law enforcement agencies across P.E.I. increase patrols for Halloween

There appeared to be lots of treats and few tricks in Charlottetown this Halloween.

Charlottetown police said they had nothing “out of the ordinary” to report by the publication deadline last night.

Police had employed extra patrols throughout the city to keep an eye out for mischiefmakers. Some officers also teamed up with members of the Holland College football team as a community engagement initiative.

While Halloween is traditionally a day of fun for children and families, P.E.I. has often seen mischief occur in the hours following community curfews. That mischief can often include setting structures ablaze, which sometimes even block roads, as well as egg-throwing.

However, it appeared that much of Queens County saw a quiet evening.

“I don’t want to jinx it, but it’s going pretty good so far,” said an RCMP spokesman from the Queens detachment.

The spokesman said RCMP had brought in extra officers to support Halloween patrols.

“We have our members out on the roads in a number of different communities.”

Another RCMP spokesperson said police would provide an update on Monday on any incidents that occurred throughout the province overnight.

Kings County RCMP also had officers patrolling communities, while Prince District RCMP said officers would take a “pro-active approach” on arson by working with local fire departments and the Fire Marshal’s office.

Sgt. Darrell Gill said arson has been a problem historically in western P.E.I. and police would be conducting strategic patrols throughout Halloween.

He said those who set fires can “expect to be charged.”