Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies will be taking extra precautions on Halloween night, October 31, to help prevent pranks and vandalism. Additionally, Deputies will be checking to make sure children do not visit the homes of sex offenders.

“Our Deputies will be paying close attention to the activities of trick-or-treaters. It’s vital we keep the children as safe as possible and keep a watchful eye on those people convicted of sex crimes,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Sex offenders on state-supervised parole or probation must abide by strict guidelines regarding Halloween and seasonal events. Offenders may not:

• Place any Halloween or fall season decorations inside or outside their homes
• Answer the door or have anyone else answer the door for trick-or-treaters
• Pass out candy, have a party at their home, or accompany any child who is trick-or-treating
• Dress in a costume with the intent to attract a minor or be in the presence of a minor
• Attend any Halloween or fall festival events including hayrides, haunted houses or functions where children are gathered.

However, offenders who are parents or legal guardians of children may attend Halloween parties and fall festivals at schools provided their children and school officials are present.

The Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Bureau also offers these reminders to the parents of trick-or-treaters on Halloween night:

• All candy needs to be inspected by parents before it is eaten
• Children should always have adults with them while visiting homes to collect candy
• Parents need to carry flashlights while out with their children
• Children need to wear light-colored costumes that do not drag the ground
• Reflecting tape is also recommended to help make the costumes more visible
• Facemasks may impair the vision of children, consider face paint
• Choose costumes that are flame resistant
• Take precautions about pets-they could attack children dressed in scary costumes

More safety tips can be seen at the Sheriff’s Office website www.shelby-sheriff.org under the Crime Prevention listing.