There was a lot of treats, but even more tricks on Halloween night in Delta.
Delta police were out in force on Thursday night interacting with trick-or-treaters, handing out candy and posing for the odd photo, while also responding to lots of calls for fireworks, vandalism and disturbances.
DPD spokesperson Cris Leykauf said it was definitely a busy night for officers, more so it seemed in South Delta as compared to North Delta.
“We received around two dozen complaints regarding fireworks, which is comparable to what occurred last year on Halloween. Police did seize fireworks in some instances, as well as alcohol,” said Leykauf. “There were also noise complaints, and police had to attend one residence in Tsawwassen multiple times in relation to fireworks and a noisy party. The homeowner will be receiving a bylaw ticket in regard to that matter.”
In Ladner, she said officers had multiple calls regarding youths, who at various points were alleged to be damaging fences, standing on vehicles and causing a disturbance.
“One incident involved youths allegedly using a longboard to break a window of a vehicle. Police made an arrest in regard to this matter, and the incident is under investigation,” she said.
In North Delta Chief Neil Dubord was out for part of the evening. He handed out candy at first, and did patrols later, and at one point in the evening spotted what he thought initially might be dry ice underneath a large bush in front of a home.
“Upon examination it was actually a firework that had just started a fire under the bush. The bush quickly erupted in flames and Chief Dubord became worried about the bush’s proximity to the home, as wind was fanning the flames toward the house, so he ended up using the homeowner’s garden hose to put out the fire,” said Leykauf. “Otherwise officers handed out a lot of candy to children in the earlier part of the night.
Leykauf said she was with a sergeant in Beach Grove where he was literally mobbed by children as soon as he stepped out of the vehicle.
“He had a really wonderful time handing out candy and talking to parents out trick or treating with their kids, and also posing for the occasional selfie – he even got out his handcuffs for one adorable dog dressed up as a prisoner,” said Leykauf, adding a thank-you to Save-on-Foods and the Delta Police Foundation for the candy donations.
