Police Chief: Tips for a Safe Halloween in New Canaan

Halloween is a fun holiday for kids, but can be a worrisome one for parents. To ensure that Halloween in New Canaan is as safe as possible, all parents and children should follow the below safety recommendations. Candy Safety

Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. If you think candy has been tampered with contact our department at 203-594-3500. Never eat candy when the package is already opened-if unsure, throw the candy out.

Police Chief: How To Beat the Burglars

Recently, New Canaan, as well as other neighboring jurisdictions have seen an increase in reported burglaries. Most burglars are not master criminals. They’re usually looking for an easy opportunity to get into a house without being seen. Burglars love it when you make their job easier for them. Here are some tips that will help you beat the burglar:

Be Wary of Unknown Visitors: Always check the identity of visitors before admitting them to your home.

Police Chief: ‘Domestic Violence Is New Canaan’s Violent Crime’

Although our town has a very low crime rate, crimes such as domestic violence have remained constant over many years. Domestic violence is New Canaan’s violent crime. If you live in New Canaan, and you are the victim of violence, it is highly probable that the perpetrator is someone that you love. Domestic violence is both a national and an intimately local problem that knows no boundaries. Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

Police Chief: Risks and Consequences of Underage Substance Use

As parents, we worry constantly about our children’s safety, especially when they grow old enough to be influenced by friends, the media, the Internet and other adults. The State of Connecticut’s Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking estimates that high-school student drinkers consume 35 percent of all wine coolers and 1.1 billion cans of beer annually. Subsequent risks and effects of underage drinking include an increase in injuries and fatalities, sexual offenses and youthful involvement with illegal drugs. The New Canaan Perspective

The media and some adults (including parents) regard drinking (and recently the use of marijuana) as an essential element of socializing. Additionally, some underage drinkers obtain alcohol from their parents, from their own homes or from other adults who legitimize alcohol consumption as a rite of passage for minors.