October 30, 2025
Halloween brings out the playful side in all of us, but when it comes to the ‘trick’ part of trick-or-treating, there are limits to what’s just a laugh and what could cross the line legally.
Pranks might seem harmless fun, but anything that causes damage, alarm or distress can quickly tip into an offence. Throwing eggs or flour, damaging property, shouting abuse or frightening people could be classed as criminal damage, public order, or anti-social behaviour. Even if it’s meant as a joke, intent doesn’t always matter – it’s the impact that counts.
A few simple rules to stay on the right side of the law:
• Don’t damage or deface property – even minor mess can be treated as criminal damage.
• Avoid targeting anyone personally – scaring, following or shouting at people can count as harassment.
• Respect ‘no trick-or-treat’ signs or unlit houses – ignoring them could be seen as harassment or anti-social behaviour.
• Parents and carers should remind children that pranks involving property or strangers aren’t just cheeky – they can have real consequences.
Keep the fun in Halloween – just make sure the tricks are good-natured, safe, and don’t leave anyone with a fright for the wrong reasons.