Delaware DOC to keep an eye on sex offenders Halloween night

Come Halloween night, the streets will be scary, filled with kids in costumes, but thanks to law enforcement, not sex offenders.

Specifically in Delaware, the Department of Corrections will once again be out on the streets with probation officers checking on sex offenders.

“It makes me feel good that they’re just out there thinking about it and doing it.”, Said Tim Tharp of Delmar.

Each Halloween night, the DOC enforces special restrictions on high-risk sex offenders.

Meaning that the sex offenders are required to stay inside their homes with outside lights turned off beginning at 6 PM.

They are barred rom distributing candy, displaying decorations, and taking part in Halloween-related festivities.

“When you become a parent, you kinda worry about that all the time.”, added Tharp.

We’re told last year, probation officers in Delaware made 347 residence-checks, taking five offenders into custody for their violations.

It’s an effort appreciated and applauded by parents who feel that the safety of children on Halloween is second to none.

A mother of three, Vicki Dyson of Delmar tells 47 ABC, “I think there needs to be a lot more done to keep those people away from our children and keep them safer.”

Back in 2005, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia joined a number of other states by placing restrictions on sex offenders during Halloween.