More than half of Brits admit to hiding in darkness and sitting in silence to avoid trick-or-treaters on Halloween, according to a survey by sweet brand Bebeto. The research found that 53% of people adopt 'stealth tactics' on October 31, while 46% suffer from so-called 'doorstep dread'.
Stealth tactics revealed
Despite 73% claiming to love the spooky season, many go to great lengths to avoid handing out sweets to costumed kids. More than a quarter (29%) leave sweets outside, 27% pretend not to be home, and 26% turn off their lights and sit in the dark.
Repeated knocking and distress caused to pets are among the UK's leading Halloween frustrations, the survey found.
Regional differences
Londoners feel the most pressure to take part and dish out sweets (48%), followed by Leeds (46%), compared to 35% nationally. Plymouth was crowned Britain's Halloween avoidance capital, with 29% of residents saying they dislike or avoid the occasion.
Almost half (48%) of Plymouth residents switch off their lights to make it appear that nobody is home, with similar 'blackout' tactics seen in Bristol (43%) and Brighton (40%).
New product launch
Of those quizzed, 79% said trick-or-treating is common in their local area. In a bid to keep the peace between trick-or-treaters and homeowners, Bebeto has launched the Scrooge Sweetener, a playful Halloween 'stop' sign with an integrated self-serve sweet bucket.
Households can fill it with Bebeto Halloween treats, including the brand's new gummies Boo Crew Foamies, and leave it outside for trick-or-treaters while enjoying an uninterrupted evening indoors. The launch comes as 84% believe trick-or-treaters, or their parents, would use a self-serve station respectfully.
Three-fifths (59%) say a front-door sign with a built-in sweet bucket would offer relief from unwanted knocking.
Personal experiences
London-based Ian Prosser is one of the Brits who suffers from Halloween doorstep dread. Ian said: "I've tried sitting in the back room with the TV volume turned down in the dark to make the house look empty.
"It was complete misery. Not only did I spend my 60th birthday hiding away, but children were still ringing the bell and banging on the door regardless. You feel like a hostage in your own home.
"Halloween is my birthday, so I'd rather not be answering the door every few minutes. The Scrooge Sweetener is the perfect compromise. Local kids can enjoy Bebeto sweets, while I can celebrate in peace. No knocks, just treats."
Phil Hulme, Commercial Director for Bebeto UK, said: "Trick-or-treating is a much-loved Halloween tradition, but repeated doorstep knocks can take the fun out of it for some households.
"The Scrooge Sweetener is our playful answer. It's a simple way to keep treats flowing for communities across the UK while allowing people to enjoy Halloween on their own terms."
To explore Bebeto's Halloween range and claim a Bebeto Scrooge Sweetener, visit www.bebeto.co.uk/pages/halloween.
