Police settle debate on whether you can report door-knocking children this Halloween

Police settle debate on whether you can report door-knocking children this Halloween Fed up with door knockers on October 31? Police explain what legally counts as anti-social behaviour - and when they will actually step in. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Sophie Buchan 05:30, Sat, Oct 31, 2026 Police have settled the debate (Image: Getty) October 31 is Halloween - a night many people look forward to, but one that others dread for the noise, screaming and constant knocking at the door.

Police have weighed in on the debate, explaining what options (if any) householders actually have. On Ask The Police , a website administered by police forces around the UK, it was asked: "Children are trick or treating in the street, can the police do anything about it?" Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The experts replied: "Trick or treating is a fun pastime that children have been doing for many years and is something that only happens once a year.

Unless their behaviour amounts to harassment or is considered anti-social, then the police will not get involved." What is anti-social behaviour? According to the Metropolitan Police , it is "defined as 'behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household as the person' ( Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 )." Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family .

Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . There are three main categories for antisocial behaviour, depending on how many people are affected: Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Environmental antisocial behaviour is when a person’s actions affect the wider environment, such as public spaces or buildings.

Nuisance antisocial behaviour is when a person causes trouble, annoyance or suffering to a community. Personal antisocial behaviour is when a person targets a specific individual or group. 'It's not completely safe' A worried parent also asked: "My child wants to go out trick or treating, do you have any advice?" The police offered their advice, urging people to never let kids trick-or-treat alone. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT It explained: "Trick or treating is a fun pastime, however it is not completely safe to allow your child out alone at night.

A good idea would be to take the children out in a group in the early evening, accompanied by an adult. This ensures that your child can still go trick or treating but also ensures their safety and your peace of mind." BBC expert says major RSPB rule change for anyone feeding birds 'from next month' Binman settles debate on whether you can recycle shredded paper October 31 tradition Halloween has its roots in Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival celebrated around 2,000 years ago.

The Celts believed Samhain (pronounced "sow-ain") signalled a time when the boundary between the living world and the spirit world grew thinner, allowing the dead to return more easily. To mark it, communities lit bonfires, wore costumes and took part in rituals. As the Romans spread across Europe and, later, Christianity reached Celtic regions, many of these traditions were absorbed, adapted and merged with newer religious observances.

In time, All Saints’ Day became the main Christian festival, with the evening before known as All Hallows’ Eve - a name that eventually shortened to Halloween. If you’re heading out, take extra care: stay in groups, don’t let children trick-or-treat alone, and choose well-lit routes. Halloween Police Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments