Published on 12, July, 2020
I live on my own now because I have recently moved into a flat. I am very worried about the prospect of pesky trick or treaters (complete strangers) knocking on my door on the 31st. Of course I would not answer. I never answer the door to strangers/cold callers. But would they then do a nasty criminal prank? Like throw egg at my flat or set fire to a bin? I am probably just being paranoid. I live in a nice area with no antisocial behaviour record, but I am normally with my parents on the 31st. Thankfully, the last couple of years no-one has called, but some children knocked on the door a few years back demanding cash - 'trick or treat' they call. My Dad gave them money - I personally think this was wrong, it is not charity but glorified begging and would normally not be tolerated - I repeat, it is fine with family and friends, but this was not. I have Aspergers, I hate being disturbed, and I am worried some nutter will cause me grief on the 31st. I don't want some stupid sign on my door, so what can I do?
My strategy didn't quite work this year. Two kids rang my doorbell. One held up a basket and I put the bag of things I'd prepared in it. The other one then lifts his bag and when I said can't you share them, started kicking and screaming.
Fortunately the parents were nearby but spoke in what sounded like east european. I'm in quite a mixed ethnic street, but they weren't locals I recognised. So are they cashing in?
So I'm left drawing the same conclusion as micki82, why do people still bother with it? Has it got anything to do with tradition? Or just part of the modern begging culture?
And as this sort of intimidation has an adverse effect on the elderly and disabled, maybe it should be outlawed.