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How to check for sex offenders before going trick or treating

METHUEN, Mass. — Halloween is a night for fun, joy and games for the kids, but for parents, there can be a lot of safety concerns.

Across the state of Massachusetts there are registered sex offenders, but only information about the level 3 offenders is available online. However, police can give out certain information about level 1 and 2 offenders to residents of a specific area if requested.

"We publicize it, we give it all out, I do believe in educating the public,” said Methuen Police Chief Joe Solomon.

The Methuen Police Department is once again publishing a map for parents to check. Pins on the map represent home or work addresses for level 3 sex offenders.

"We're going to do our due diligence  we are going to list the level 3 sex offenders, you choose if you want to go to those houses or go down those streets," said Solomon.

There are nine level 3 sex offenders in Methuen right now. Sex offenders are allowed to give out candy on Halloween.

"These people have served their time, they're not criminals, we put a warning out to not harass anyone," said Solomon.

The sex offender registry information is available here for Massachusetts and here for New Hampshire.