Loveland Police Urge Halloween Safety as Trick-or-Treaters Prepare for October 31 Festivities

The Loveland Police Department reminded residents October 30 to take safety precautions as hundreds of children prepare to trick-or-treat across the city on October 31.

The department issued guidance emphasizing visibility, pedestrian safety and adult supervision during evening hours when trick-or-treating activity peaks. Officers will patrol neighborhoods throughout the evening to ensure safe conditions for families.

"Commuters, drive slow tomorrow—those little monsters move fast and are more unpredictable than the Colorado weather," the department stated in its announcement.

Police Recommend Reflective Gear and Pedestrian Awareness

The department outlined specific safety measures for families participating in Halloween activities:

• Use glow sticks or reflective materials to increase visibility to drivers
• Cross streets at designated crosswalks rather than between parked vehicles
• Stay with groups and avoid wandering away from supervised areas
• Allow adults to inspect candy before consumption

National data consistently identifies Halloween as the day with the highest risk of child pedestrian fatalities, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Research shows pedestrian injury risk triples on Halloween compared to other days, with most incidents occurring between 5 and 9 p.m. when trick-or-treating activity is heaviest.

The Loveland Police Department's recommendations mirror those issued by Fort Collins, Greeley and other Northern Colorado municipalities, all of which emphasize adult supervision for elementary-aged children and high-visibility costumes.

Drivers Face Increased Pedestrian Activity During Evening Hours

Officers will increase patrols in residential neighborhoods during peak trick-or-treating hours, with enforcement focused on speeding, distracted driving and failure to yield to pedestrians.

Colorado law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks under Colorado Revised Statutes §42-4-802. The department urged motorists to reduce speeds in neighborhoods and watch for children who may dart into roadways.

Wildlife activity is also increasing across Northern Colorado as daylight saving time ends November 2, creating additional hazards for drivers during evening commutes. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado State Patrol reported 3,777 crashes involving wildlife in 2024, with October through December accounting for the highest collision rates.

Between 2018 and 2024, Larimer County averaged one to two pedestrian injuries per Halloween season, often involving children crossing mid-block after dusk, according to county health and safety campaigns.

Candy Inspection Recommended Despite Rare Tampering Cases

The department advised parents to inspect all candy before allowing children to eat treats, looking for opened wrappers or suspicious items.

The recommendation stems from rare high-profile cases and urban legends involving contaminated Halloween candy during the 1970s through 1990s, though documented cases of genuine tampering remain extremely rare. The main risks associated with Halloween candy involve food allergies, choking hazards for young children, and potential accidental exposure to substances resembling candy.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advises parents to check for tampering as a precautionary measure. Parents who discover suspicious substances should contact the police non-emergency line rather than handling unknown materials.

No Mandatory Supervision Requirements Under Colorado Law

Colorado imposes no explicit laws requiring parental supervision for trick-or-treaters, though child neglect statutes could apply in extreme cases where lack of supervision presents substantial danger.

Safe Kids Northern Colorado and local police recommend that children under 10 always be accompanied by an adult while trick-or-treating. Many national child safety organizations extend this guidance to age 12, with recommendations that older children establish set routes, check-in times and carry safety equipment.

The Loveland Police Department will be available throughout the evening for safety concerns. Residents can contact the department at its non-emergency number for assistance.