Registered sex offenders to keep porch lights off this halloween

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. -- Before Halloween, Marin County Probation Department officers contacted registered sex offenders and directed them to keep porch lights off

to steer away trick-or-treaters, department officials said.

Probation officers as well as Marin County sheriff's detectives set out on Thursday to contact 11 registered sex offenders ahead of the

holiday, which department officials said is a high-risk time for these individuals.

Authorities also conducted unannounced searches of their residences - throughout San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo and Fairfax - to

ensure they weren't violating court-ordered probation terms.

Of the 11 residences searched, 10 were in compliance. One person was arrested for violating terms requiring that no alcohol be kept.

When it comes to efforts such as these, department officials said a priority is placed on those who are deemed to have a high likelihood of committing another offense.