>>>>>>>The thing is, we had no fear of going into strange neighbourhoods and knocking on doors. Now you can't even do that safely on Halloween.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Really? Is Halloween really more dangerous than it was, or do we just think so? Do you know anyone who ever got adulterated treats on Halloween, then or now?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Now one thing has changed. When we were kids, only little kids trick or treated. By the time you were 13 or 14, you were done with that. The teens now go out as well, at least around here.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Tamar
>>>>>
>>>>>They do around here too. But in fact, I also see far more teens escorting little kids around now. Most of the young kids I see now are accompanied by a parent. I only know of one kid getting adulterated treats. fortunately, the parents had the presence of mind to inspect the treats first and found the offending chocolate bars. But I wasn't even talking about adulterated treats. These days, I think anyone who lets their kid (under say 14 or 15) go out alone on halloween is asking for trouble.
>>>>
>>>>Again, it depends on the neighborhood, although I agree that _alone_ is not good. My kids went out with their friends. I can't remember exactly the age at which we let their go with a group of friends without an adult, but it was definitely less than 14.
>>>>
>>>>Tamar
>>>
>>>You've strayed off the path. This was about a girl - aged 13 going to the mall by herself. Going out in a group is a very different thing.
>>
>>Why should "the mall" be so terrible. Usually (here) they have security wandering about and provide a more benign environment than some high streets.
>
>Well, around here, malls are where fights break out and stabbings etc. happen. Most often often outside the mall.

Plus, how often do you see mall security who would know how to recognize an abduction anyway? There are usually only a couple of them and they can't be at all the entrances to the mall and anchor stores and patrol the parking garage/lot effectively. The only good thing about the malls really is the security cameras. Though, they are likely only going to help after the fact.