WACO, Texas (KWTX) – As candy dealers walk out the door, McLennan County authorities are doing everything they can to keep everyone safe without ruining the Halloween spirit.

McLennan County Adult Probation Team Director William “Chip” Seigman says there are 168 registered sex offenders in the county, who are required to have no decorations or lights on and cannot leave their homes from 5 pm tonight until tomorrow at 6 am.

The Mclennan County Sheriff’s Office says it will help the adult probation team patrol neighborhoods and monitor offenders.

35 registered felons in McLennan County are exempt from this hold for medical or work-related reasons, or if they are in custody; but they are still monitored by the authorities.

“Criminals know we demand this from them and the public knows we’re out there looking for them and checking where they’re supposed to be,” Seigman said.

Bell County cities, like Temple, have their police departments involved in community celebrations to increase police presence.

Sydney McBride with the Temple Police Department reminds parents and children to be vigilant when trick-or-treating and to stick together in case of an emergency.

“Families should stay together and walk in groups, they should stay with their friends, stay with their parents, and they can carry flashlights and cell phones and generally be aware of their surroundings,” McBride recommended.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reminds parents to try to plan their route in advance and to stay together when traveling to new neighborhoods.

If you have questions about where you plan to go, you can check the state’s website to registered offenders.

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