Law enforcement warns of sex offenders

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Sidewalks are full of monsters and princesses getting their two night fill of Halloween.

Paul Sands walks his two little ones house to house every year.

"When they open the door, I'm up there and they can't snatch them, anything like that, that's what I'm saying, I don't go for that, you don't know who's going to be an offender," Sands said.

Sands isn't the only one thinking about who's answering the door.

Vigo County Sheriff's Department says about 80 percent of all addresses have at least one sex offender within one mile.

"You never know who your neighbors are really. You never know what goes on behind closed doors a lot of times. People don't even know what goes on with the person they live with, so it should be a concern to everyone," Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Sergeant Joe Watts said.

Indiana Department of Correction works with local law enforcement to monitor sex offenders, in hopes of eliminating temptation.

Offenders will either attend a meeting or stay home and not give out candy.

"Not everyone knows that you're a sex offender but be courteous. Be practical to the parents that are concerned and leave your porch lights off, don't entice children to your residence," Sergeant Watts said.

However, officials say it's your responsibility to be educated and proactive.

"Nothing takes place of you the parent or guardian being with your children at all times," he said.

Sergeant Watts said in his 27 years in law enforcement, offenders have never been a problem on Halloween, thanks to awareness.

"When it comes to the little children, history shows us that we have a safe atmosphere here in the Wabash Valley and we want to continue that so all of us working together, I think we can do that," he said.

Indiana State Police and Indiana Sheriffs' Association have an online tool to find out whether you have sex offenders living close by. Click on either of the links below.

Indiana State Police

Indiana Sheriffs' Association