ANNAPOLIS, Md., Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Sex offenders in Maryland will be required to post a pumpkin-shaped sign on their doors on Halloween, saying candy is not available there, officials said.
The warning to trick-or-treaters specifically says, "No candy at this residence," The Washington Times reported Wednesday.
The newspaper reported about 1,200 violent and child-sex offenders across the state will get the signs along with a letter explaining how they are to comport themselves on Oct. 31.
"Halloween provides a rare opportunity for you to demonstrate to your neighbors that you are making a sincere effort to change the direction of your life," the letter says.
The letter also tells recipients they are to stay at home, turn off outside lights and not answer the door.
"Because Halloween is a holiday in which large numbers of children interact with strangers, the concern among parents and other community members about sexual offenders in their neighborhoods is naturally intensified during this time of year," Patrick McGee, interim director of the state's Division of Parole and Probation, wrote in the Oct. 1 letter.
