TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – While receiving free candy can be the most exciting part of Halloween, you can’t always count on the best intentions of strangers.

Although falsification is rare, it can happen.

Drugs resembling candy or other suspicious objects can end up in candy buckets, so the Shawnee Co. Sheriff’s Office reminds parents to inspect carefully before their child indulges in their sweet treats.

“We just encourage parents to be vigilant,” PIO Abigail Christian said. “Check all the candy their kids bring home, look for anything that looks strange, maybe a little different packaging. Be sure to read through to make sure it’s what it says and if you have any questions about it, just throw it out. There’s always more where that came from.

The surge in concern has led to the rise of “trunk or treat” events.

The 9th Annual First Responders Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 31 from 6-8 p.m. at Evergy Plaza.

Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.