Chief Hartman reported on upcoming Halloween and community-safety events at the Oct. 13 council meeting.

Trick-or-treating in Bethel Park will take place Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., Chief Hartman said, and he urged parents to start earlier while it's still light, provide flashlights, ensure costumes allow adequate vision, and have younger children accompanied by adults. He advised pedestrians to cross at corners and drivers to exercise caution and drive slowly through neighborhoods on Halloween.

The police will participate in community events before Halloween: a trunk-or-treat at South Hills Assembly on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m., and South Park Shops' annual trick-or-treat event on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The police will staff community crime-watch meetings, the next of which is Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. at the community center front classroom.

Chief Hartman also announced the department's annual toy collection beginning in November; toys will be contributed to Children's Hospital, Sunrise School and the Children's Institute. Donation bin locations and additional details will be posted on the department's social media and web pages, he said.