A scarlet pumpkin for sex offenders

Convicted violent and child sex offenders must keep their porch lights off and stay inside after 6 p.m. Halloween night, state officials said.

They also must post pumpkin-shaped signs on their front doors saying, "No candy at this residence," and not answer the door if anyone should knock. If they don't follow these rules, they risk violating the conditions of their probation.

Rick Binetti, spokesman for the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation, said the signs - as well as letters explaining what to do with them - were mailed earlier this month to about 220 sex offenders in Anne Arundel County and 1,200 sex...