Sex Offenders Get Signs for Halloween

One year on Halloween, we ran out of candy well before the trick-or-treaters were finished for the night. In an attempt to dissuade them from knocking on our door, we turned the porch light off. When that failed to stop them, we put a sign on the door reading "sorry, no more candy". That didn't work, either. Based on that experience, I am somewhat doubtful that Maryland's plan to keep children away from sex offenders on Halloween will be successful.

Haunted House Blk n Wht

Maryland's Division of Parole and Probation has mailed letters and signs to sex offenders. The signs feature a pumpkin and the words "No Candy at This Residence". The accompanying letter reads, in part, "Halloween provides a rare opportunity for you to demonstrate to your neighbors that you are making a sincere effort to change the direction of your life." It goes on to instruct the recipients to post the sign, stay indoors, turn off their porch lights and refrain from answering the door on Halloween.

I think any effort to keep sex offenders and children away from each other is worth a try. But I can tell you that I already know where the registered sex offenders in my area live. I checked my state's online registry before we made an offer on our house and will check back periodically to see if there are any changes. Do you keep up with your state's sex offender registry?

(I always check my sex offender registry.  I can't believe the people I have found there.  I found my x husbands boss, a man my aunt was dating, and someone from my church that worked at my church!  These jerks are everywhere.  Be careful!  I think this is a great idea.  I hope they use it in more states.)