Not answering door on Halloween due to teens begging for money

[Fomm]

Besides I live in a first floor maisonette where the front door is on the ground

In some years I have been at work or out for non Halloween stuff. On the few occasions I have been at home on Halloween itself I switch off my doorbell- it has its own switch on the circuit board.

From posts on the various Spotted FB groups in previous years, teens go in groups of 4-6. Don’t dress up, ignore the unwritten rule of only go to properties that have a pumpkin/decorated. Then demand money.

Some even chuck eggs and flour at certain homes. Had this done at my previous home and it wasn’t nice removing dried egg from window glass.

I only ever had teens round once - two hulking great boys, and it wasn’t even Halloween! I told them to come back on the day, and I’d give them something (it would have been sweets, not money)

They said, ‘But we’re going to a party on the 31st.’
‘Tough!’

I’m recently widowed, so I’m on my own. I don’t answer the door ever in the evening. I’m dreading Halloween, I’m scared already.

Lots of families here so Halloween is big. My kids aren’t interested in trick or treat now so I’ll be keeping lights off. Knocking at the door would drive our dog mad.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Could you go out for the evening? Cinema or to a friends?

We dont bother anymore...had the teens asking for cash, all lights off and dont open the door.

That's so sad, I'm sorry.
Do you have anyone, friends or family you can spend the evening with or invite over? I'm sure they would understand how you are feeling ans would help if possible.

That’s terrible! We lived in a really (think try not to leave the house after dark rough!) rough estate once and were a bit nervous about Halloween then just had teens in masks come and then say thank you when they got sweets! Restored my faith in humanity!!!

So sorry to hear this - do you have any friends that you could spend some time with that evening, for a meal or even for a cup of tea somewhere?

A friend said trick to two girls about 6/7 and they said “what’s a trick?”