“Operation Pumpkin” will be out in full force again this year to keep an eye out for mischievous ghouls and goblins the night before Hallowe’en, known as “Gate Night.”
“It’s a crime prevention initiative that started approximately 15 years ago to address mischief and thefts that typically occurred ‘Gate Night’ and Hallowe’en night,” said Sgt. Phil Donald of the Fort Frances OPP.
“Operation Pumpkin” includes both police officers and volunteers from various community organizations who drive around the streets of Fort Frances and report any incidents that require police attention.
“It gives us a greater number of eyes in the community, and it’s been very, very successful,” Sgt.
Donald added.
About 30 people in all will be watching the streets on “Gate Night,” including school buildings.
OPP will also be patrolling the streets on Hallowe’en night to monitor the safety of trick-ortreaters.
Local organizations that are taking part in “Operation Pumpkin” include the Rainy Lake Amateur Radio Club, Shaw Cable, Union Gas, the OPP auxiliary, and the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau.
Vanessa Hebert, executive coordinator of the Volunteer Bureau, said she is happy to lend a helping hand to the program.
“If you have people out there, and kids know that, they’re going to think twice about any mischief,” she said.
Hebert added the old CN station would act as a sort of headquarters for the volunteers to warm up with hot chocolate and donuts donated by local businesses.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Hebert at 274- 9555, or any community service officers of the OPP at 274-7777.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
