For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 29, 2009

Contact: Sgt Cristy Hamblin
Phone: 319-286-5439
E-mail: c.hamblin@cedar-rapids.org


Trick or Treat Safety

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - October 29, 2009 - As always, the Cedar Rapids Police Department wants to remind the citizens of Cedar Rapids to be safe on Halloween. There is no specific time for Trick or Treat.
br> Parents are often concerned about the location of sex offenders. A great tool available to parents is the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. The public has access to high risk sex offenders at www.iowasexoffender.com. At this website you are able to plot your address and see any registered sex offenders in a 1 mile, 2 mile or 3 mile radius. This will only list those sex offenders that are registered, are actually living there and are a high risk to offend. The best deterrents are to go with your children and know the area you are visiting.
br> There are some general safety tips that are recommended.
br> -Wear a costume that makes it easy to be seen or is reflective.
br> -Carry a flashlight so you can see and be seen.
br> -Wear face paint instead of a mask.
br> -Have a parent or older sibling go Trick-or-Treating with small children.
br> -Go Trick-or-Treating in your own neighborhood or to homes that you know.
br> -Inspect all candy prior to eating. If the candy looks like it has been tampered with, throw it away. Neither hospital is x-raying candy that we are aware of.
br> -Respect homes that do not have lights on or have a "No Candy Here" sign.



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