SC- Department gives tips for keeping kids safe from predators on Halloween

10-25-2008 South Carolina:

Across the state, children will be out roaming the streets in search of the houses with the best candy next week, but they should avoid houses with the lights turned off, according to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS).

Sex offenders living in South Carolina must be off the streets and in their homes from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Oct. 31.

Pete O’Boyle, public information director for the SCDPPPS, said this information is not intended to frighten anyone, but rather to keep them informed.

“Parents should not be alarmed,” he said. “It is perfectly OK to allow your child to trick-or-treat with supervision.”

Currently there are 1,196 sex offenders under SCDPPPS jurisdiction. Last year, SCDPPPS called or visit 1,586 homes to verify compliance with the rule.

In Maryland, the homes of sex offenders are marked with an orange paper pumpkin that says “No Candy at This Residence.” And not everyone in South Carolina thinks that’s such a bad idea.

O’Boyle said South Carolina has no plan to do that this year, but it’s not off the table for the next year.

“We haven’t had an incident when there was actually offender — trick-or-treater interaction,” he said. “We’ll look at it next year, though.”

He said one precaution parents could take would be to look at the sex offender registry on State Law Enforcement Division’s Web site. But, O’Boyle reiterated, it’s not anything for parents to be overly worried about.

“It’s just an extra measure of precaution,” he said. “In four years of doing this, we have not had to arrest anybody for interaction with a child, although we have made arrests for violation of curfew.”

He explained that a violation of curfew can mean anything from the offender may not be at home on time or they left the light on or they were out in the yard after curfew.

Shirley March, program director of Prevent Child Abuse Pee Dee, said she thinks that for the safety of the children, the pumpkin issue should be given serious consideration. She said on Halloween night, parents just need to remember to be careful and to pay close attention to where their children go.

“They just need to be careful,” she said. “They really need to target the houses in neighborhoods they are familiar with. A lot of churches and especially the (Magnolia) mall has thing they might want to take the kids to.”

Tips for having a safe Halloween from the American Red Cross:

Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street.

Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks and low-flying brooms.

Cross the street only at corners.

Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.

Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!)

Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.

Carry a flashlight to light your way.

Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable.)

Visit homes that have the porch light on.

Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.

Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.

Be cautious of animals and strangers.

Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children. ..News Source.. by Angela E. Kershner