Trick-or-treaters

[Venus Pax]

I was reading on another board about trends in trick-or-treating. One poster said that she lives in a suburban setting and knows her neighbors, but that she isn't far from a ghetto-esque setting. She said the ghetto residents drive out to her neighborhood and the entire family piles out, many of whom (adults) dress as gang members and DEMAND candy for themselves. She says that their manner of dress and behavior patterns make her very uncomfortable.

I also remember a man at work telling me that he experiences some rather weird folk knocking at his door on Oct. 31 to trick-or-treat, and many of these people don't even have children with them.

Dh and I don't observe Halloween for spiritual reasons, but even if we did, we don't get trick-or-treaters because we live too far out for anyone to bother.
I'm curious if anyone here experiences any odd situations, and how you handle it.

[HEMIzygote]

Open the door with a shotgun over your shoulder.

[Venus Pax]

Open the door with a shotgun over your shoulder.

Part of the costume?

[HEMIzygote]

Open the door with a shotgun over your shoulder.

Part of the costume?

Exactly!

[308nato]

The subdivison I live in is'nt all that big and we get maybe 20 kids
all night.We are out far enough I dont think anyone wants to haul
the kids this far out.

[waltherone]

Haha, reminds me of a time when I was a kid. I was home from trick-or-treating with my mom (we'd drive to various people we knew, etc, because our neighborhood wasn't the greatest). At something like 1030-11pm, a couple of guys ring the door bell and say trick or treat. They were probably about 16-17ish, maybe older, I can't remember as it was a good ~18 years ago....lord I'm getting old. Anyways, dad opened the door holding a big 6" barreled .357 mag in his right hand and was greeted by these two later-years teenagers wearing white T-shirts and jeans and carrying plastic bags like those from the grocery store. They said trick or treat, and he said "get a job" and slammed the door in their face.

Has nothing to do with this thread, but still makes me chuckle. Maybe it was the big revolver in his hand, but no "tricks" ever happened to our house that night either, despise his attitude with them

[HighVelocity]

Year before last, we had hundreds of trick-or-treaters and I recognized about 3 of them. SUV's full of kids from other neighborhoods filling the street. We have left the porch light OFF ever since. No more of that non-sense.

[Liberty]

Maybe I'm wierd, my children are all grown and moved away, and i don't see me grandkids all that often. Smilling happy children are priceless to see. Their joy is infectious. Giving out a few handfulls of candy to the children and teens is a small price to pay to see their smiles. Maybe the world has got a little colder, a little meaner than when I was a child. Its not the childrens fault.

Yeah, I stick my Beretta in the SOB while I dish out the candy.

[longtooth]

Our sub-division is considered "safe" by most of the residents of Lufkin.
It is not one I consider that way.
We have one registered sex offender a couple of streets away. A known druggie, party house about half way between us & dpatterson. ( we are neighbors )
The SUVs, pickup trucks FULL of older teens & many in colors have been evident for the last 3yrs. Large walking parties of 6,8, & more are out. They are still roaming the streets at 10:30 & 11:00. Last yr one of those parties walked shoulder to shoulder across the whole street blocking traffic. Vehicles in front stopped & they parted, passed, & came together again. Those behind just drove slow. Of course, when the deputies got here they could not find them. It is a night I am really on orange alert.
We do not do halloween either. Usually just take that night to go out to eat & take a slooooow ride home.
This yr it is on Wed & I am thinking of a 42 & board game fellowship at the church w/ coffee, cake & cookeis. "Nanner Puddin" for our music minister.

[AEA]

I have lived in my current location for the last 3 years. It is waaaaay out in the country and in a very small subdivision of Mobile Homes near the Lake.

Everyone knows everyone and there is really no worry that any "unknowns" will come here. However, I do not observe the event. I just turn off all the lights and it appears that no one is home. This is not unusual as there are a lot of the Homes that are occupied only for weekends or holidays.

I have never had anyone knock on my door, but I am prepared to greet whoever attempts to gain entry unlawfully.

[Mithras61]

Up until about two years ago my neighborhood was very quiet on Halloween. The last two years, though, we get the local kids between 7 and 8:30 and then the wierdos start appearing. I had at least two groups of about 15 "kids" that arrived on the street escorted by Suburbans.

The "kids" in this group appeared to range in age from about 13 to about 25. I've given candy to the younger ones and the evil eye to older ones (and gotten some ugly comments in return - I usually respond that Halloween is a night for children & to get lost). I'm not certain where they are coming from, but they don't look like anyone who lives within any reasonable walking distance from here.

I may have to shut down the lights & stuff about 8:30 this year and see if that cuts down on the refuse that comes by a little.

[Crossfire]

I don't answer the door after the porch light goes out at 9:00 PM.

And I don't give candy to anyone over 5 feet tall.

[nemesis]

A substantial portion of the population of Reynosa, Tamaulipas makes the pilgrimage every year to McAllen and most of them gravitate to north McAllen for the freebies.

Their concept is that trick-or-treating shouldn't be limited to children and you could find entire families at your door. We don't discriminate by age. Why not get in on a good thing!

[KBCraig]

I simply don't "do" halloween. The porch light stays off.

[jbirds1210]

"Nanner Puddin" for our music minister.

It is cruel of you to even mention that without the offer of mailing me some! Momma LT can make some pudding....no doubt about that.

I sit in the driveway and hand out candy with a couple of my neighbors. I have never had a problem, but am always prepared for one.

Jason