First Night Of Angels’ Night Patrols Encouraging, Fires Down 39%

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An encouraging sign for the first night of the Halloween weekend that has over the years garnered a pretty negative reputation as “Devil’s Night.”

During the 1980s and 90s, between 500 and 800 fires would be set around town with destructive results, with the peak being in 1984.

So far for 2015, after night one, the Mayor’s office is telling us that there has been 17, down from 28 for the first night last year. More than 4,000 volunteers have registered for active street patrols this year, up 500 from approximately 3,500 last year, officials said.

There are three things residents are asked to do over the weekend to help support, even if they’re not patrolling.

  • Turn on outside lights at their homes from dusk until morning on each day of the Halloween period.
  • Report any suspicious activity they observe to the Detroit Police Department by calling 911.
  • Place refuse containers or bulk items at the curb before 7 a.m. on the morning of the collection day, rather than the night before, and remove refuse containers immediately after the trash is collected.

There’s still time to get involved with Angels’ Night efforts. Also, check out this op-ed from our friends at The Hub about what would happen if Angels’ Night were year-round.

 

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