MIDDLETOWN – Middletown Police will be tapping into new resources and beefing up patrols in an effort to keep trick or treaters safe and keep property from being damaged this Halloween weekend.

Police will use crime analysis data, extra directed patrols and a zero tolerance application of the city curfew ordinance over the course of the next few days. They will also be working with other agencies to insure that the public is kept safe.

There will be extra patrols assigned to each ward starting Friday night. Crime Analyst Courtney Faith has utilized data from the past three Halloweens to develop “hot spots” that patrols will give extra attention to.

“We want everyone to enjoy a safe Halloween without diminishing the quality of life for their neighbors”, said Middletown Police Chief Matthew Byrne. “We have increased our patrols and focused their attention by utilizing crime analysis. By creating hot spots of prior year Halloween-related calls for service, we are better able to protect our community.”

A city curfew which runs from 9 p.m. through 6 a.m., October 29 through November 1 prohibits anyone under 18 years of age, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, with certain other limited exceptions, from being out on the streets.