Safe Streets for Treats

The 43rd Precinct of the NYPD in partnership with Operation Weed and Seed,elected officials, local merchants, community agencies, faith based organizations and the residents will provide a safe Halloween for the children of our community.  The selection of locaton was made because of the high crime incidents  on Watson Avenue, between Boynton and Elder Avenues.  The event will take place on Halloween from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Children come dressed in halloween coustumes, and receive treats from merchants,  There is entertainment on the stage from local dance troupes, children singing and a magic show.   There are so many giveaways, sweatshirts, hats and gloves, school books and backpacks, games and more.  The children can have there face painted, particpate in a coustume contest or just enjoy all of the entertainment and trick or treating.   Last year was our second year and we had well over 800 children and I'm sure this year will be even more.  

Letters are sent long before the event to all local merchants, and to major corporations for contributions. The 43rd Precinct Council volunteers go out tirelessly knocking on doors as a followup to the letters that had been previously sent.   The response in the past has been very good and we are hoping that this year it will be even better.  

Operation Weed and Seed and the Bronx District Attorney's Office is there to give out information, invite the community to our workshops and  forster a better relationship with the children  and their parents.  The merchants are there to say thank you to the community for their patronage, and other partners give out information on programs and services in the community. 

The lead agency is the NYPD 43rd Precinct and they do an outstanding job making sure that the event is the best it can be for the children of our community.   

A very important outcome of this event is that it has improved the relationship with the community and law enforcement, which has not always been good.