(WSBT) Little ghosts and goblins will be filling their buckets with candy in just two days. But finding a safe place to go trick or treating may not be easy. Neither Indiana nor Michigan has laws that prevent sex offenders from handing out candy.

A Michigan bill has been introduced that would prevent registered sex offenders from participating in the holiday.

But in the meantime, police say parents should familiarize themselves with maps of where sex offenders live because they are the only ones that can protect their kids.

For kids, choosing the costume is their biggest decision. But for their parents, it's where to safely take them trick or treating.

"If you don't take them to a safe environment, you can't even enjoy the holiday," said Raeann Thompson, the mother of two boys.

Halloween can be a scary holiday for parents because you never know who is behind the mask or the door.

"You don't really know your neighbors as well as you used to, so you are reluctant to just let the kids go and do it anymore," said Carol Silveus, who was shopping for a Halloween costume with her son.

Indiana and Michigan do not have laws banning sex offenders from participating in Halloween.

"That is horrible. I think every state should have that," said Thompson.

But a Michigan bill would make it illegal for sex offenders to hand out anything, including candy. They also couldn't turn outside lights on or leave any other signs that they are home during trick or treating hours.

Eight other states have similar laws including California, Texas, New Jersey, South Carolina, Illinois, Tennessee, and Virgina.

"It is always in the back of your mind, but you take the precautions so that doesn't happen," said Silveus.

But police say it's ultimately up to parents to avoid the homes of sex offenders.

And many say they're now taking their kids trick or treating at planned events, like the one Monday at Regency Place.

"We know where the candy came from, and we know the people there," said Silveus.

Police say they'll increase patrols on Halloween. They say that's to cut down on the number of traffic related accidents, which they say is the greatest safety issue.