BOSTON — Boston police asked drivers to slow down and families to take precautions as children went trick-or-treating across the city on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31.

In a release, the Boston Police Department said drivers in the city's neighborhoods should go "extra slow" and be "extra cautious" because of the number of children crossing streets.

The department recommended that parents set a curfew and a route that keeps children close to home in familiar areas. It said trick-or-treating should ideally end no later than 8:30 p.m. Police also suggested reminding children not to go into strangers' homes or cars, and to skip homes without outside lights.

Other tips included attaching a parent's phone number and address to a child's costume and choosing clothing and costumes that are bright, reflective and flame-resistant. Police also suggested that children wait to eat treats until they get home, where all candy should be checked first. "When in doubt, throw it out," the department said.

Police said officers would be out in force across the city and asked residents to report any suspicious behavior or criminal activity to them.

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