Howto deter Halloween trick-or-treaters
Trick-or-treat etiquette is up for debate as Marlborough residents prepare for Halloween.
Some households are decorating their house as trick-ortreater friendly, while others plan to identify their house as the opposite, with some rigging up a hose to squirt unsuspecting visitors.
Pictonshop owner Amiria Perry said she decided to give away free orange balloons this year for people who welcomed trick-or-treaters.
‘‘It’s just a way for people to say you’re welcome to come to my house. It’s a fun thing for the kids to get dressed up, so it’s a nice way to let them know they’re welcome.’’
Perry came up with the idea after seeing much discussion on Facebook groups about how to encourage, or deter, trick-ortreaters.
‘‘It makes the night easier whether you’re into it or not. But people have still got to be proactive about safety, even if you’re going to a house with a balloon, and kids should definitely still be supervised.’’
Community constable Russ Smith said people out trick-ortreating should travel in groups, and children should go with adults.
Throwing eggs at a person or turning the hose on them could be considered assault if the victim laid a complaint .
‘‘If people don’t want to participate, a sign on the gate or near the door saying ‘no trick or treaters’ is probably your best option. That way, fair’s fair, people know there won’t be any candy and they’ll leave you alone.’’
How to deter treaters * Lock the gate * Put the sprinkler over the path and turn it on
* Leave the house between 5pm and 10pm
* Turn the lights off and pretend you’re not home * Put a ‘Beware the dog’ sign up * Put up a sign saying you only have healthy snacks. trick-or-