As a child, I was given a few simple rules by my parents to keep me safe.
1) Don't speak to strangers
2) If a stranger speaks to you, just walk away
3) Don't get into a strangers car
4) Don't accept sweets or gifts off strangers
5) If you're in trouble, then find a policeman
6) Don't walk the streets after dark alone
7) Don't be cheeky to your elders
8) Always try to let us (Parents) know where you are.
I am all for trick or treat and Christmas carols and all that, especially if the costumes are well made and accompanied by adults for T or T and the carollers can actually sing at Xmas.
However, last year at this time, I had a knock at the door about 9:45pm, my good lady openned the door to two young girls, approx age 13 or 14, dreessed in what can only be described as burlesque outfits (more of a trashy St Trinians than Halloween). They said Trick or Treat, we said we had no sweets left but would give them a quid for their trouble, to which one of them piped up saying "could you make it £2, so we can afford some fags". I asked where their parents where, and they just laughed and said they weren't bloody kids. I went to get them a quid to get rid, and on my return to the front door, they were both stood in the hallway chatting to my partner.
Now I'm not a stuck up git, but if you change Car to House in rule 3 then rules 1,2,3,4,6,7, and 8 were well and truly defenestrated by these girls. Rule 5 is now a rarity, so can be deemed as a misnomer.
I blame the parents!
Rant over.
Good Night All