Look for Sex Offenders Near Your Trick-or-Treating Area

In preparation for Halloween trick-or-treating fun, Gwinnett County Sheriff Butch Conway encourages parents to be aware of the 486 registered sex offenders currently residing in our county.

“We work hard to ensure that registered sex offenders in Gwinnett County are living where they tell us. It’s important that our citizens know who they are and where they are living,” says Sheriff Conway.

Citizens are encouraged to check any addresses where they or their families spend time, especially in anticipation of Halloween trick-or-treating.

RELATED

• These Sex Offenders Are Wanted in Gwinnett County
• Buford 2015 Halloween Sex Offender Safety Map

“If you aren’t planning on trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood, but will do so in a different neighborhood, it’s a good idea to check that address beforehand so that you know which houses to avoid,” adds Sheriff Conway.

Citizens can visit the GCSO website at www.gwinnettcountysheriff.com and click on the “Sex Offenders” link, select “Search for Offenders in your Area” and follow the instructions to check their neighborhood for offenders.

The site is user-friendly and features many other beneficial tools, such as the option to sign up for free automatic notifications if an offender moves within a specific radius of any address that you enter. The alerts are in real time and sent out via e-mail as soon as a new offender has registered with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.

The site also offers numerous links to year-round safety tips for parents and children.

Halloween is a special time of year for many children and we encourage parents to take these simple steps to help ensure a safe and fun night for their families:

• A responsible adult should accompany children under 12 years old when trick-or-treating
• Ensure costumes fit well, are flame retardant and never obscure visibility
• Have your trick-or-treater wear reflective clothing
• Children over the age of 12 and who are responsible enough to go without you should stay in groups, follow a pre-determined route and watch for cars
• Check your local law enforcement agency’s website for registered sex offenders in your area
• Remind children to never enter any home without you or without your permission and to only approach homes that are well lit
• Let children know to tell a trusted adult if they see anything weird or unusual
• Teach children to bring treats home before eating them. Eat only factory-wrapped treats unless you know the giver well
• Teach your children to say “NO” and “GET AWAY” from any person or situation making them scared, uncomfortable or confused, even if it means yelling, kicking, attracting attention or any other means of resisting. Teach them to trust their feelings and be sure to tell a trusted adult about any incident
• Consider safe alternatives to trick-or-treating, such as parties at home, schools or community organized events.

From GCSO news release