Hillsborough sheriff gives Halloween warning to sex offenders

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is making sure registered sex offenders know what they can and cannot do when trick-or-treaters make the Halloween rounds on Thursday night.

Sheriff Chad Chronister and deputies went door-to-door on Wednesday, visiting the addresses of registered sex offenders to make sure they understand and comply with the rules. Registered sex offenders are not allowed to hand out candy or put up Halloween decorations and they must keep their porch lights off.

“If a porch light is not on, don’t go knocking at that door,” Chronister said in a video the agency posted to YouTube.

Chronister offered additional tips for trick-or-treating: Parents should accompany younger children. If older children go by themselves then should travel in a group of their peers. Parents should know what route their children plan to take.

Kids should also wear bright, reflective costumes, comfortable shoes and masks that don’t block their eyesight. And trick-or-treaters should avoid knocking on homes that have turned off their porch lights.

There’s also a state website where to find the registered offenders who live near you.

Watch Chronister’s public safety announcement below: