In less than 24 hours kids around northern Michigan will be out trick or treating and that means safety should be kept in mind.
By Melissa Smith
Friday, October 30, 2009 at 5:24 p.m.
Read more: Local, State, Community, Crime, Halloween, Registered Sex Offenders, Michigan State Police
TRAVERSE CITY -- For Molly Gallagher taking her two sons trick or treating is a family tradition and one that involves safety.
"Either myself or my husband will be with them. So, there's always an adult with them close by," says Gallagher.
Besides the typical precautions like looking out for traffic and staying close to mom and dad...it's sometimes dangers that could be right in your neighborhood that parents need to be aware of. 7&4 News went on the Michigan State Police registered sex offenders website. In just Grand Traverse County alone, there are almost 300.
"I haven't actually looked up online...it does make me nervous they're so close by," says Gallagher.
For Maggie Kent who runs a daycare from her Traverse City home, this public information is something she's aware of.
"I've been online, I know whose in my neighborhood. I know where to stay away from. My husband and I take turns, someone stays here and passes out candy, the other one takes the kids around. We don't let them out of our site," says Kent.
According to the state police here in Traverse City, registered sex offenders can pass out candy on Halloween, as long as there isn't a stipulation in their conviction to be around children.
"That makes me nervous. I don't like that. I don't like the fact that they could pass out candy to children and be in that close of contact," says Gallagher.
Although there is no state law preventing sex offenders from passing out Halloween candy, the state attorney general's office says most judges rule that sex offenders have zero contact with children.
For a list of sex offenders that could be living in your area you can check the Michigan State Police website: http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us/PSORDisclaimer.aspx
