Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Common sense and caution are the words of the week as county residents - uneasy about nighttime activities in the wake of the Bicycle Bandit burglaries - prepare for Halloween.
"Let a little common sense prevail," said Capt. Steve Foster of the Warsaw Police Department. "Any activity that they deem to be suspicious, they should call the police department."
Foster's advice was echoed by Kosciusko County Sheriff Al Rovenstine: "People need to realize what night it is and that there are going to be things going on."
Both departments said they have had no reports for about three weeks of burglaries that fit the profile of the Bicycle Bandit.
Rovenstine said if anyone is genuinely suspicious of people or activities, they should call the police instead of taking action themselves.
"We need to emphasize that people are cautious and homeowners don't do anything stupid," Rovenstine said.
County and city police will have increased patrols on Halloween, as they do every year.
Rovenstine and Foster also repeated the usual Halloween warnings: trick-or-treaters should travel in groups; wear costumes that allow them to see and move easily; stay within their neighborhoods; and go to houses only where the porch lights are on.
Winona Lake's Fire Department advised residents to leave their outside lights on whether or not they choose to participate in trick-or-treat activities. Homeowners who don't want to be interrupted should place a sign near their door.
They also advised parents to stay with smaller children and to strictly observe the trick-or-treat hours for their area.
"I would encourage parents to participate with their children so everybody has a good, safe Halloween," Foster said. "I would hope that the community would be proactive, and I think it's a tremendous opportunity for neighborhoods to work together."
