Lights on illegal for some on Halloween

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - This weekend, it'll be against the law for some people to have their porch light on. While it may sound contradictory, it’s all in the name of safety.

Kids will be all around neighborhoods on Halloween Saturday, trick-or-treating and looking for treats.

While their outfits will likely be scary, local law enforcement says if you're careful, that's the only "spook" you'll have.

The law states that registered sex offenders may not turn their porch lights on during trick-or-treat hours, so that kids won’t be in harms way.

To make sure everyone is safe, many law enforcement agencies will have extra officers out on the streets.

"Some will be on motorcycles, some will be on bicycles, and some will be in squad cars," said Allen County Sheriff Chief Deputy Dave Gladieux.

But there's an extra threat that's been growing in number in recent years: sex offenders.

"Officers keep track of them and make sure they're where they are supposed to be," Gladieux said.

While many are registered, a quick search of the registry can show dozens living in some communities. Allen County Sheriff Deputy Dave Gladieux says that with extra patrols, the law also offers some extra reassurance.

"They can't hand out candy and they can't have their porch lights on to attract kids to the house," Gladieux said.

Another big issue this year is the fact that Halloween falls on a weekend, meaning there will likely be more parties and more intoxicated drivers.

Extra officers will be looking for those drivers. And while the economy struggles continue, you should also be on the look out for late-night or questionable trick-or-treaters.

"It's a good opportunity for them in the criminal element as far as getting away with something and they are dressed up with a mask over their face, they could be planning to do something that they shouldn't be doing," Gladieux said.

Officials are quick to add that car break ins seem to be popular on Halloween, so be sure to lock up and hide anything of value.

Also, if confronted by an officer, it's not a bad idea to ask for identification, as that is one of the most popular Halloween outfits.

More online:  Sex Offender Registry