Local police warn trick or treaters to stay away from strangers

Area police agencies are gearing up for Halloween and they are warning parents to make sure their children stay away from strangers.  One of the concerns is local sex offenders.  Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano says his department makes regular checks on where sex offenders are living.

Ortolano-Police make regular checks on sex offenders

There are websites available that can provide the locations of local sex offenders, including the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, but Fredonia Police Chief Brad Meyers warns there are no guarantees.

Meyers-Not all offenders appear on websites

Both police officials urge parents to have their kids only trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods and to avoid any strangers.  Should anything unusual occur, they should call police immediately. Police will have extra personnel on hand for Halloween night. Ortolano and Meyers were guests on WDOE's Viewpoint program.

Click here to listen to full Viewpoint interview.

Click here for the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office sex offender search.