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As he does every year at Halloween, Theodore had expended considerable effort — and a lot of money — preparing a scene to frighten and thrill trick-or-treaters.

He bought the wrecked 1998 Camry from wrecker Kenny U-Pull for about $300 and paid to have it brought to his home. A landscaper who was doing some work on the property agreed to flip the vehicle over using a forklift.

Three buddies, including one who came up from Toronto for the occasion, were dressed as victims, with ghastly wounds. One was set up pinned between the car and a tree on Theodore’s lawn, with his guts hanging out and fake blood gushing.

Theodore had also designed a sophisticated sound and light show to embellish the crash scene with a smoke machine, flashing lights and the sound of an explosion.

But the most important part of the display was a sign next to it with a message aimed at local teens who might come to his door: “Stay alive. Don’t text and drive.”

Theodore said he had to make a frantic call to get the forklift back to move the display as the police instructed before dusk.

“I was able to save it but the frustration level was high enough I almost didn’t try,” he said.

For the past 10 years, Theodore has gone all out on his Halloween preparations. Last year, he set up metal cages on the lawn, with his pals inside dressed as werewolves. When children came up the driveway to collect candy, the cages collapsed and the monsters leapt out to spook the kids. Other displays have included a horrifying headless horseman and, of course, zombies.

He usually spends between $400 to $500 on candy on top of the costs of putting on the displays, an annual extravagance his neighbours love and his wife supports.

“This is one of my indulgences. She has gotten onboard. It’s one of my only vices. This, and golf.”

Theodore says he doesn’t understand why the police couldn’t have given him a pass this time, especially with the positive message about texting.

“Let’s use some common sense,” he said.

“I understand they were doing their job but they have leeway.”

Theodore has captured the car crash scene and past displays on video:1