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DeKalb Sheriff: Locate sex offenders' homes before trick-or-treating

Some home goods stores sell Styrofoam pumpkins that can be carved. Some come pre-carved and have electric lightbulbs installed. The drawback with the artificial squash: They’re flammable, somewhat of a drawback for a jack-o’-lantern. FILE PHOT

Credit: Marlon Manuel

Credit: Marlon Manuel

Some home goods stores sell Styrofoam pumpkins that can be carved. Some come pre-carved and have electric lightbulbs installed. The drawback with the artificial squash: They’re flammable, somewhat of a drawback for a jack-o’-lantern. FILE PHOT
By Becca J G Godwin
Oct 28, 2016

As Halloween approaches, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office wants to make sure parents, guardians and anyone who plans to trick-or-treat be careful.

Participants are being advised to search for — and then avoid — the addresses of registered sex offenders.

DeKalb County has 983 registered sex offenders. An additional 17 registered sexual “predators,” who wear tracking devices, receive personal visits from sheriff’s deputies to remind them of restrictions against enticing children with decorations or leaving their homes on Halloween night, according to a release.

Law enforcement agencies generally increase surveillance of individuals who may pose a threat to children on Halloween, the release said.

DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann encourages parents to be proactive.

"This extra safety precaution can help make the event a less stressful occasion,” Mann said.

How to locate registered offenders who live or work in your neighborhood:

  • Go to www.dekalbsheriff.org 
  • Click on the OffenderWatch link
  • Click on "Search for Offenders in Your Area"
  • Enter your address

About the Author

Becca J G Godwin
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