Police give tips for safe trick-or-treating

Las Vegas police are advising parents to check the Internet for sexual predators in their neighborhoods before children go trick-or-treating.

Las Vegas and Henderson police are providing tips to keep children safe while they go door to door.

Las Vegas police recommend that parents visit the Web site www.lvmpd.com and click on the sex offenders link. The link will allow parents to check for sex offenders in the area by typing in the address their children will be starting from on Halloween night.

The Web site displays addresses and photographs of registered sex offenders within a half-mile of the starting point.

Police also suggest parents accompany their children while trick-or-treating, plan their children's route, keep a cell phone handy and stand close enough to the door to hear what people passing out candy say to their children.

Henderson police suggest that children wear makeup instead of masks to keep their vision unimpaired. They also suggest trick-or-treaters use flashlights or wear reflective lights on their costumes.

Parents should check all candy before it's eaten, police said.

Trick-or-treating hours in Henderson are from 6 to 8 p.m., but police will not stop those who are out on the streets before or after the recommended times.

Las Vegas police will sponsor an alternative to trick-or-treating called Trunk-or-Treat from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Hard Rock Cafe parking lot at 4475 Paradise Road, just north of Harmon Avenue.

Candy will be dispensed from patrol cars, the Nevada National Guard will provide a blow-up haunted castle for children, and the band Drive Machine will perform throughout the evening.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas @reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.