CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Kanawha County sheriff's deputies will increase patrols Thursday to catch trick-or-treat vandals.

Capt. Sean Crosier said 24 deputies in marked and unmarked vehicles would patrol areas prone to vandalism starting at 5 p.m.

The deputies will have a zero-tolerance attitude for those found breaking the law, he said. There have been fewer mischievous acts committed during the last five Halloweens due to the increased patrols, he said.

Crosier reminded parents to only permit children to trick-or-treat at trusted houses and to check sexual predator registries for their neighborhoods.

Children should wear reflective clothing, travel on well-lit paths and carry a flashlight or glow stick.