MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Little ghosts, goblins and miniature Snow Whites and Cinderellas can enjoy a safe trick-or-treating experience this Halloween with the activation of Operation Base Reign Over Our Munchkins.
Operation BROOM will provide Camp Pendleton residents with a secure Halloween night by activating increased Military Police patrols from 5 to 8 p.m., which are the base’s designated hours for trick-or-treating.
Patrols will augment through all housing areas that include De Luz, San Luis Rey, Stuart Mesa, Santa Margarita, San Onofre, O’Neil Heights, Serra Mesa, Wire Mountain I and II, South Mesa, and Del Mar.
Throughout the neighborhoods will be stationed personnel who will issue Halloween safety tip pamphlets, assist lost children and help trick-or-treaters check their candy for foreign objects.
“Our goal is to provide a safe Halloween environment and promote a positive community relationship between the military police and the community,” said Staff Sgt. Terrick Miller, physical security/crime prevention chief, Provost Marshal’s Office, Security Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The Provost Marshal's Office also emphasizes that parents should be especially watchful for vehicles, and motorists should make an effort to limit driving.
While many families on base would like to bring their animals along with them, PMO officials suggests that pets stay at home to ensure the safety of children as some costumes may startle unsuspecting animals.
If families decide to take their pets trick-or-treating, ensure they are on a leash and keep in mind that they may also be around other animals as well, Miller said.
Activities such as smashing pumpkins, spray painting walls and covering homes with shaving cream are illegal activities and are considered as vandalism.
“Although Halloween is full of treats, malicious tricks can ruin the fun, said Miller. “No one should be discouraged from having a good time, but vandalism will not be tolerated.”
Halloween is also a time for children to dress as their favorite cartoon characters, childhood heroes and spooky ghouls, but parents should be aware of safety issues when choosing outfits.
Costumes should be bright and contain reflective material. Avoid outfits that cover a child’s head that may prevent them from seeing a vehicle or other hazards. Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name address and phone number inside a pocket in case the child gets separated from the group.
For almost a decade, PMO has implemented Operation BROOM, and can assure residents they will do everything to keep Halloween safe and fun.
“Operation BROOM has been a success since I have been here at Camp Pendleton and I am confident that it will continue to be this year as well,” said Miller.
For additional information, call (760) 763-2077/2076 or contact Crime Prevention at (760) 725-9452.