LAST year, around the time of Halloween, 14 groups of children knocked on my door on one evening, demanding "trick or treat".

It was very unnerving, especially as some of them shouted abuse because I didn't open the door (as advised that evening by the police).

I understand that in America, where the custom came from, trick or treat visits are agreed in advance with friends and neighbours, and parents accompany their children.

The children who knocked on my door, some as young as six, were wandering around in the dark, calling at the houses of total strangers. What an ideal opportunity for child abuse?

I hope parents will dissuade children from "trick or treat" activities this year.

They may be banging on the doors of elderly or frail residents, or they may be putting themselves at risk.

I am a teacher and youth club assistant. I am not anti-children, but I am against this anti-social imported "custom".

ALAINE SHEPPARD

Address supplied