JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Excitement is building for young people across Jacksonville as Halloween approaches but several groups are urging extra caution this holiday weekend.
According to AAA, some alarming new numbers have come out from law enforcement agencies across the state advising parents to be on the lookout as the streets are filled with trick-or-treaters Saturday.
Though it may be an added convenience for many parents with this year's Halloween holiday falling on a Saturday, but experts said that also brings huge crowds and with it, the need for added security.
News4Jax Crime and Safety Analyst Gil Smith said there will be no shortage of things that parents and kids need to watch out for.
"All law-enforcement will be preparing for Halloween night because you have a lot more people out. You have small kids out and here in Jacksonville that's going to be the night of Florida-Georgia game so there's going to be a lot happening in the city," Smith said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is also tweeting out safety tips for parents this Halloween.
One of them recommends parents check the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's website to find if sexual offenders and predators are living in the neighborhood that little ghosts or goblins will be trick or treating in.
"Sexual offenders will be contacted prior to Halloween night because there are certain things they have to do. They have to stay inside. They have to keep their lights out. They are not allowed to give candy to children and they know this. So if you go to the website and see a home where there is a sexual predator and they are handing out candy, officials need to be contacted to let them know that the person is doing that," Smith said.
According to AAA reports, car crash fatalities also increase nearly 50 percent when Halloween falls on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
They warn drivers to slow down, reduce distractions and be on the lookout for children.
Parents are urged to stay by their children's sides as much as possible, wear costumes that are easy to spot and try to stay in familiar neighborhoods.
While parents will be on alert, Smith said law enforcement will be as well and has a stern recommendation for those heading out Saturday night.
"For people who are law-abiding citizens I would strongly encourage you not to allow your child to go out on Halloween night even with a toy gun. Even if it looks like the biggest toy gun you've ever seen, don't allow that to be a part of the costume," Smith warned.
The FBI is also warning police to be on high alert saying anarchist groups could be plotting attacks on local police around the country.
Overall, law enforcement said the best thing you can do is to just stay aware of your surroundings.