Trick-or-treaters should avoid sex offenders' homes on Halloween: CDCR

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Officials with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are warning parents and children to stay away from sex offenders' homes while out trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

Parents can look up maps of their neighborhood and find out where sex offenders are by checking California's Megan’s Law website.

"You can input an address and see where sex offender supervised persons live in that area. Plan a trick-or-treat route that steers clear of sex offender supervised persons’ homes," CDCR officials wrote on Monday.

The website includes each offender's mugshot and lists which sex crimes they were convicted of.

Hundreds of CDCR parole agents and local law enforcement officers will be out in some communities this week for "Operation Boo." As part of the annual statewide operation, agents and officers will visit sex offenders' homes to see if they are in compliance with their parole terms.

Parents are encouraged to be vigilant. CDCR officials wrote, "Awareness can go a long way in helping keep families safe. There are many different types of sex offenses and not all registered sex offenders are prohibited from having contact with minors."

Some sex offenders have parole conditions specifically for Halloween. Conditions include: A nighttime curfew between October 31-November 1; exterior home lights must be turned off; and Halloween candy may not be offered to trick-or-treaters.