Police say city has lots

of treats, but few tricks.

LEWISTON – The candy bars and crackers, licorice and lollipops appear on some streets more than others.

Don’t go rural, there are too few homes and too much space. Go where there are kids whose parents know which candy is best.

Melissa and Katie Whitten, ages 8 and 11, know the tricks of successful trick or treating.

Dressed as a ghoul and a devil, the girls clomped out onto Novella Street in Lewiston Friday at 6 p.m. It was dark enough, yet early enough to make sure nobody had run out of candy.

“This is ground zero for candy,” said Michael Dubuc, who lives on the little residential street. This night, the girls’ mom, Diane Whitten, handed out candy from his home while he escorted the pair from home to home.

“It’s a beautiful night,” he said. “I’d rather be out here.”

Last year, he did duty at the door, handing out about $100 in candy, 25 or 30 bags full, before he ran out. He then ran to the store and bought another $50 worth to meet the demand.

“People know to come here from all over,” he said. “They’ve learned.”

The tendency to cluster makes it easier for police to help people stay safe, said Lt. Michael McGonagle of the Lewiston Police Department. Early Friday evening, police spent much of their time trying to be visible to parents and children. They volunteered at a city-run party at the Multi-purpose Center.

As the night went on, police planned to have a plainclothes patrol to watch for incidents of criminal mischief that seem to accompany the holiday. At press time, there were no reports of problems, said McGonagle.