HOLIDAY DOESN'T WORRY POLICE

Cape Girardeau Police don't expect any more vandalism or activity this Halloween than in years past.

"There are no numbers to support this, but we have seen over the years, less and less serious vandalism on Halloween," said Sgt. Carl Kinnison, public information officer for the department.

The decline could partly be related to the variety of organized activities available for children, Kinnison said. "You're seeing more civic and church groups doing things to keep kids, literally, off the streets."

With Halloween falling on a Friday, it's difficult to predict the amount of activity in the city, Kinnison said.

But additional officers will be patrolling the streets in case problems arise, he added. "It's a Friday anyway and we would have some additional officers for that reason."

Most of the reports received by the station involve youth and children acting dangerously, like running through yards or between parked cars, Kinnison said.

The major concern is traffic, he said. Motorists should use extra caution because children will be crossing streets and may not be seen as well if they are wearing dark costumes.

Kinnison said he does not remember any significant accidents occurring on Halloween. "But we have our fair share of calls," he said.