Tampering with Halloween candy [1] is more than just a trick, it's a legitimate concern and more common than parents would like to believe.

Before the candy swaps and intense negotiating over favorite treats begins, it's important for parents to take a look at the goodies [2] their kiddos came home with. Police in Ohio [3] are warning moms and dads about "very suspicious" Lemonheads that have been found slightly opened in trick-or-treaters' sacks and a police department in Connecticut [4] has also urged the community to double check their boxes of Dots. A Texas mom [5] discovered a needle in her 11-year-old's candy bag, but a child in Canada [6] wasn't as lucky when she bit into a needle after eating a piece of chocolate she received.

These local cases all serve as an important reminder to parents that it's worth it to give candy a good look. Here are some tips for reviewing your kids' candy according to some of these local police officers:

• Know that even if it doesn't appear open, boxes of candy can be re-glued so if it looks suspicious, don't take any chances.
• Let your kids know that if they ever find a package of candy that normally comes with mixed-color treats but is just one color instead, not to eat it.
• Look at the candy within the packaging — not just the wrapper — to see if it looks distorted.
• Always discard any candy that causes you to question whether or not it has been tampered.

If you find something, say something. Contact police instead of just tossing it out.