Several incidents were reported to Grand Valley Police Department throughout Halloween weekend.

According to the GVPD Weekly Incident Log, over 40 calls were made between Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1, including reports of larceny, suspicious persons, narcotics possession, intoxicated individuals and a stolen vehicle. The incidents occurred across multiple residential areas, such as Calder Drive, Residence Court and Laker Village Drive. 

Assistant Director of Public Safety, Captain Leah Heaton, explained that call numbers have overall been higher than average this year, so while GVPD experienced a high frequency in calls, the reports made during Halloween weekend remained consistent with this year’s rate of incidents.

“Our call numbers have been higher than average for this year, but Halloween was no anomaly,” stated Heaton.

University officials typically prepare for higher call volumes during Halloween weekend, a time when students host gatherings to celebrate the holiday and community traffic increases. Prior the weekend, GVPD sent out precautionary tips to remind students of safe practices.

“(We send) general safety tips that tie into Halloween a little bit,” Heaton said. “We usually try to put stuff out like that on social media as well, but preparation-wise, we know it’s one of the busier holidays on the college campus. For all the other ones (holidays), most people go home.” 

Although he didn’t file an official report, GVSU student Ethan Mannes stated items were stolen from him during a Halloween party.

“With the party being the way it went, there were a lot of random (people) that came into the house, and unfortunately, with that happening, there were things stolen,” Mannes said. “There were definitely times when I caught people.”

He went on to describe an incident on Halloween night where he confronted a man dressed in a beer costume for stealing a pole from his property.

“He put it back, and then, next thing you know, it got real busy in there,” Mannes said. “I was just dancing, having a fun time and then the morning after, I noticed my pole was gone, a few other things in the house were gone and one of my flags was stolen.”

Mannes expressed frustration at the disrespectful behavior of a guest who was allowed into his home.

“You let people in your house, I would just think it’s common decency to not steal things,” said Mannes. “At the same time, people argue, (saying), don’t let ‘randoms’ in the house. I think living in a college atmosphere, it’s kind of hard to control that, especially if you’re hosting a bigger party.”

Halloween consistently ranks among the top holidays for crime-related incidents. According to CPI Security, a home and business security company, on Oct. 31, there is a 68% increase in vandalism claims, 8% increase in theft claims and 5% increase in disappearances. Break-ins also increased by an average of 21% during October, making it one of the busiest months for property-related incidents. 

While most incidents go unreported, students and community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity directly to GVPD.