Households warned over Halloween trick or treating age limit rule

It's that time of the year when households across the UK don their scariest outfits and take to the streets in search of sugar-filled chocolates and sweets.

Love it or loathe it, is growing in popularity in the UK and now sees thousands of every year.

Pumpkin carving and are among some of the activities you can do to mark the occasion, but the most popular way to mark Halloween is by going 'trick or treating'.

But households are warned to be mindful of an age limit rule which could potentially land you in trouble with the law.

'Trick or treating' itself is not an illegal activity here in the UK, but it's considered by some to be an "unwelcome American cultural import" and can sometimes result in incidents like property damage, nuisance and personal injury.

If a child damages a property with a 'trick', this can be deemed a criminal offence as well as a civil matter and police will intervene in the event of any anti-social behaviour.

As such, parents and guardians have a responsibility to ensure children are supervised when taking part in Halloween festivities or it could result in having to pay a huge bill to fund repair costs.

Households should be aware that while there is no minimum age for taking part in trick or treating, if your child is under the age of 16, parents or guardians will be liable to pay for any fines if trouble occurs while they are out and about. It is therefore advised that children are accompanied by an adult while trick or treating at all times.

Sergio Abreu, Legal Adviser at DAS Law, said: "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."

While trick or treating is embraced by many UK households, there are some that prefer not to be disturbed by revellers.

If a house has a pumpkin, or any other Halloween-themed decoration displayed in the window, it is typically safe to assume the residents are happy to welcome trick-or-treaters.

Some homes may display a 'no callers' or 'no trick-or-treat' notice telling youngsters not to knock on their door, in which case the resident's wishes should be respected.

If you or your children are planning to go out trick or treating this Halloween, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating

• Trick or treaters should only go to homes they know are happy for them to call - look out for 'no callers please' signs and respect your neighbours

• Stick to places that are well lit and are in neighbourhoods you know

• Carry a torch and a fully charged phone (if you have one)

• If you are wearing a mask, make sure you can see where you are going when moving from house to house and be aware of your surroundings

• Avoid leaving wheelie bins, or anything that could be used for an illegal bonfire, outside of your home

• If a pumpkin is displayed outside your home, this is a sign trick-or-treaters are welcome to knock

• Wait until you get home before eating any of your treats so that an adult can check them

• Do not allow children to leave the house with eggs or flour