Sweet or Sour: Halloween: At which pranks does the fun stop?
"Trick or treat!" is the popular Halloween phrase. But what pranks are allowed if there is nothing sweet? Where does the fun legally stop?
Christian Janeczek, a traffic law expert from the German Bar Association, warns that Halloween pranks can quickly cross into illegal territory, such as property damage or harassment. He notes that pranks requiring extensive cleaning, like smearing doorbells, can be considered property damage, while easily removable chalk marks may be tolerated.
Prolonged doorbell ringing can be considered harassment, and perpetrators may face fines or compensation claims. Those found guilty may face fines equivalent to one or two months' net salary, and even children can be held financially liable for damages they cause.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
