by Nick Delgado

Guam - Aside from Christmas, it's probably one of the most favorite holidays for children, when they get to dress up and play make-believe. But for parents, it's a long day of getting the candy and picking up those last-minute costume ideas.

It's the sweetest time of the year for children and obviously a busy day for shops like The Dungeon in Barrigada Heights. Residents today lined-up even outside the store hoping to get some last minute Halloween costumes and decorations. Dozens roamed throughout inside the store trying on masks and other items, and the according to the busy store employees the hottest selling item for both adults and children are the super hero costumes. Aside from all the excitement residents are urged take precautions when they trick or treat.

"There could be something put on the candy, the candy could have been opened and something may be sprinkled on it, you don't want to take that chance. Apples could have blades inserted. It's happened in the States, so you just want to be sure," said GPD spokesperson Officer A.J. Balajadia, who says children should always have their candies checked by their parents before eating them. The Guam Memorial Hospital is even allowing the community to bring their candy to the X-Ray Department until 8:30pm, where it can be scanned for any possible metallic objects.

Balajadia also asks parents to keep a close watch on their little trick-or-treaters, saying, "Certainly we don't want to consume ourselves with conversation with friends and ignore our the fact our children are excited and running around and want to get to the next house to get candy, so just be mindful of that and be careful your kids don't dart out between cars and we would like to remind drivers as well that kids are in the area and may dart out so be mindful of that."

He adds children should always wear something, such as a glowstick that allows them to be visible at night.