The Horry County Sheriff’s Office currently oversees 562 active sex offenders in the county, according to Sergeant Chris Graham.
On Halloween night, there is a statewide curfew for registered sex offenders forbidding them to hand out candy from 5:30 PM to 9 PM.
“Probation and parole will be out checking on those sex offenders that are sex offenders that there was a child involved in the conviction, or a child related to his conviction.” said Graham.
The sheriff’s office recently launched a social media campaign encouraging parents and homeowners to be aware of sex offenders that might be living near them. You can visit their website and type in your address.
“They can also sign up for email alerts, where if an offender moves into one mile radius of their address it will send them an alert that a sex offender has moved into a one mile radius of their residence.” said Graham
Some parents in Horry County say Halloween is a fun family night but it also brings fear for parents.
“They go out when it’s dark, turn the street lights on you don’t know what house you’re walking up to. It could be anyone, your not expecting is when you ring the door bell.”
Other safety tips for children include:
- Making sure they walk in well lit areas
- Go in groups
- Check their candy
