Lexington County adding patrols for Halloween Oct. 31, not earlier

More Lexington County deputies will be on patrol to protect against Halloween pranks only on Oct. 31, the traditional night for trick-or-treating, and not earlier.

The announcement Thursday came after some residents planning to give out candy and snacks on other days asked law enforcement if extra deputies would be available then.

Some neighborhoods are switching their celebrations to Oct. 29 and 30, weekend days when children don’t attend school, county spokesman Harrison Cahill said.

Parents also should consider sending children to parties sponsored by churches and civic groups, events that are safer since it keeps youngsters off the road as traffic passes, officials said.