Local authorities provide Halloween safety tips, education on sex offender registry

With families getting their costumes ready for the spookiest night tomorrow, we want to make sure it’s a safe one. 

Our KUAM team gathered a run down on trick or treating safety tips parents should take note of to ensure your kids have a fun Halloween. 

This includes checking the Sex Offender Registry to know which houses to avoid.

Excitement is in the air for the scariest night of the year!

But safety is at the forefront of all our minds. 

Mangilao Resident, Genesis Aquino, says going in a group is a must. 

“I would say go with friends and family because you don’t want to go alone. Especially if you have kids.” 

After all, knocking on stranger’s doors can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know who’s behind the door. 

Aquino: Trick or treating or going around houses at night, I’d say is pretty dangerous around here, or no matter where you’re at.

Dededo Resident, Joe Callado says parents should be mindful where they are taking their kids trick or treating. 

Callado: I advise my grandkids and kids to be careful and watch out for the things they’re going to give from house to house. And be careful for other people who are thinking of something bad. Especially sex offenders, be careful of those people.

Local authorities advise parents to check out Guam’s Sex Offender Registry online to know which homes to avoid. 

Chief of the Guam Police Department, Stephen Ignacio says, 

“Guam, like the rest of the nation, has a sex offender registry. So if the parents are going to an area that they are not familiar with for the first time, use caution and take advantage of those areas that are offering trick or treating activities that are safe like the mall and shopping centers.”

The Office of the Attorney General also strongly recommends it. 

By entering the village or zip code, the online databases show who’s door you shouldn’t knock on. 

The registry also monitors those required to register as a sex offender, who must update their addresses and other information at least once a year. 

The Judiciary of Guam notes the information is solely for public safety. The AG’s office adds that trick or treaters should also remain vigilant for fentanyl laced candies. 

It’s precautions like these that families are reminded to heed to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween. 

Ignacio: We want to remind our parents trick or treating with children to always make sure you have awareness of where they are at and to keep them close by, wear reflective clothing, don’t walk down in the middle of the street or roadway. Try to use the crosswalk, shoulder and sidewalks when available.

More information can be found on the Guam Courts website.