RICHMOND, VA – Halloween is a fun night for kids but it can also be a tempting night for the sex offenders.

In Virginia, in addition to Henrico County, Petersburg and Colonial Heights police will be taking extra measures to keep children safe from sex offenders.

As families get ready for a night or trick or treating, local police are also stepping up their efforts. Statewide, sex offenders are required to follow a list of restrictions that bars them from any contact with children.

In Henrico, community officers will also go door to door doing spot checks on a list of registered offenders.

“The safety and security of our children is of utmost concern. Halloween is a fun night for them and we want the parents and the children to know that the Henrico Police are doing everything they can to make sure it’s a safe environment,” said Command Sergeant Tom Shumate.

Statewide guidelines prohibits them from turning on porch lights or staying at a home that’s giving out candy. They’re also banned from trick-or-treating, wearing a costume or mask, and they can’t go to a mall or other Halloween event for kids.

If sex offenders violate the statewide restrictions, a parole officer is called and they can end up in jail.