CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With kids getting ready for the Halloween trick or treating, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office is making sure trick-or-treaters stay safe by keeping tabs on registered sex offenders.
Every year before Halloween, deputies hit the streets to visit sex offenders.It's called Operation Watchful Eye.
"We don't want to put the children in a bad spot where they may become victims of another crime and we don't want to put our sex offenders in a position where they may become repeat offenders," Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Deputy Zach Morton said.
There are 1092 sex offenders registered in Mecklenburg County, according to the sheriff's department. The largest concentration is in the 28208 zip code.
"On this operation, I've already charged two people," Morton said.
Deputies require sex offenders to stay in their homes on Halloween. They also must turn off off their porch lights.
If you live in North Carolina, you can find registered sex offenders in your neighborhood by visiting this website. South Carolina residents can visit this site.
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