THE exact age children are legally allowed to go trick-or-treating on their own this Halloween has been revealed.
The spooky is here, and kids across the country are preparing to slip on their costumes and head out in search of sweet treats.
Trick-or-treaters have been issued a stern warningCredit: Getty
Many will be knocking on neighbours’ doors with their pals, but parents have been warned that they may have to if things turn ugly.
If revellers are younger than 16, parents and guardians will be held financially responsible for damages sustained throughout October 31.
While the NSPCC advises anyone aged 12 or under to have a carer with them at all times.
Sergio Abreu, Legal Adviser at DAS Law, warned: “Generally speaking, parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring their children are supervised in certain circumstances, although this will vary depending on their age as older children are less likely to require supervision as they will have a greater responsibility for their actions.
“This means that any civil action for recovery of losses due to damage caused by a child would need to be taken against the child.
“However, holding a child responsible for their actions may not be a realistic way forward as a child is unlikely to have assets to pursue damages, so it would be preferable for you to hold the parent or guardian responsible.
“To hold a parent or guardian responsible, you would need to prove that they have been negligent and this resulted in the child damaging your property.
“This would be dependent on circumstances and evidence and could include arguments such as failing to supervise or failing to control the child.”
Breaking the law
Trick-or-treating on in the UK is permitted, however, the police have the power to apprehend individuals involved in disruptive behaviour.
Going out is not illegal in itself but some actions can break the law.
Inappropriate behaviour can involve harassment, vandalism or disturbances.
If children are found to be too loud or trying to scare people then the police may get involved.
If this is the case then they child can be issued an anti-social behaviour order which carries a fine of up to £1,000.
Also, if trick-or-treaters find that a home-owner is not answering the door, they should respect this and move on.
Likewise, if a home-owner finds that their property has been damaged in any way, they should contact the police.
can carry a sentence of up to 10 years depending on the severity of the offence.
Age limits
While there is no minimum or maximum age when going trick-or-treating, those under 16 need to have a responsible adult with them.
Despite there being no age limit, those who go out tend to be around primary school age from around four to 11 years old.
If there are police cases which involved under 16s then the parents may be held responsible for any fines that are imposed.
Curfew
There is no official curfew for but it’s recommended to have children home by a reasonable hour.
Children should have respect for those in their community and avoid knocking on doors too late.
A spokesperson from Stephen Rimmer and Co. solicitors advised: “If you don’t want to annoy your Trick-or-Treat victims, then make sure you get the whole event over and done with by early evening.
Why do we celebrate Halloween?
HALLOWEEN has its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in Pagan times.
But today, is the festival of, carved pumpkins, horror films, and trick-or-treating. Read on to find out more about the spooky celebrations…
Halloween falls on October 31 every year.
It dates back to the ancient festival of , celebrated by the Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago on the lands now known as , the United Kingdom , and northern .
One of the most important celebrations in the Celtic calendar was Samhain, or the Feast of the Dead.
Samhain celebrated the harvest and marked the end of summer, heralding the start of winter, a time of year most closely associated with death.
The Celts believed that at this time of year, ghosts of the dead came back to earth.
But the Celtic pagans didn’t fear the dead— instead, Samhain was a time for Druids (Celtic priests) to make prophecies.
Huge bonfires were built, where people would offer crops and animals as sacrifices, and costumes were worn to ward off evil spirits.
The modern name of Halloween has evolved from All Hallows’ Evening, also referred to as Allhalloween, All Hallows’ Eve or All Saints’ Eve.
Halloween is on the day before Christian holy day of All Saints’ Day, which is still celebrated widely across today.
All Saints’ Day takes place on November 1 each year, and used to remember all the saints, especially those who do not have an official day of their own.
