Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

Kanawha County sheriff’s deputies will have 24 deputies out on patrol from 5 p.m. until needed Thursday to keep children participating in trick or treat safe.

The extra deputies will be placed in areas historically prone to Halloween vandalism, according to a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies will be in marked and unmarked vehicles, and they will be on foot with orders of "zero tolerance" for would-be vandals. The sheriff’s office said those found breaking the law will be arrested.

Halloween trick or treat hours in Kanawha County will be observed from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. For a complete list of trick or treat times and Halloween-related activities, go to our home page and news page sections and click on “Trick or Treat Times In Your Neighborhood.”

In the past five years, vandalism and other mischievous acts have been kept to a minimum, the sheriff’s office said. The sheriff’s office urged parents to accompany and closely monitor children, especially during trick or treat times.

Here are some general Halloween safety tips provided by the sheriff’s office:

* Visit only trusted houses and familiar areas, specifically houses with lights on which is a signal to their participation in the event.

* Stay off of the traveled roadway when possible by using sidewalks in well-lighted areas only.

* Wear reflective clothing.

* Carry a flashlight or similar illuminating device like a "glow stick."

* Parents should inspect all candy prior to consumption.

In addition, the sheriff’s office issued the following tips to protect children against sexual predators during Halloween:

* Travel in groups with trusted adults

* Stay in lighted areas and avoid dark areas

* Visit only trusted and well lit houses. Avoid houses with no lights. They are not participating in trick or treat anyway).

* Search convicted sexual offenders on the Internet: Family WatchDog will allow searching of offenders by towns and streets and by name; and use Google for a multitude of safety precautions and sex offender searching.

* Refuse to enter into any person's house. Stay outside.

The sheriff’s office said to keep in mind these sites only list sexual offenders who have been convicted; many have not been caught. Not all sexual offenders are listed. West Virginia has more than 3,300 convicted sexual offenders.

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