Halloween store says parents bring children to steal costumes (2024)

Spirit Halloween's owner says not only are people stealing decorations, but they're also trying to take off with costumes and they've lost thousands of dollars.He said one mom had her kids put items inside a bag --- and walk out with them. He says the mom stayed behind to pay, but her credit card was declined.That's when she told an employee she was going to get another card from her car, and never came back.Spirit Halloween employees say they've also caught people red handed on their surveillance cameras using large bags to stuff their costumes inside.In one video a man is seen walking out with two large skeletons that cost about $90 each.Seconds later, security chases after the man and they were able to catch up with him and get the items back.One mother agrees costumes can get pricey, but she suggests people make their own to save money and not steal."Go a little simpler. Do makeup, try putting together a costume. My mom always made our costumes. We were happy with it. We got to take part," said Donna Bangharut.Each year, Spirit Halloween donates money earned from selling items patients at the Children's Center at Presbyterian. Last year, they donated $45,000, but owners say the large amount of theft could affect how much they donate this year.

Spirit Halloween's owner says not only are people stealing decorations, but they're also trying to take off with costumes and they've lost thousands of dollars.

He said one mom had her kids put items inside a bag --- and walk out with them. He says the mom stayed behind to pay, but her credit card was declined.

That's when she told an employee she was going to get another card from her car, and never came back.

Spirit Halloween employees say they've also caught people red handed on their surveillance cameras using large bags to stuff their costumes inside.

In one video a man is seen walking out with two large skeletons that cost about $90 each.

Seconds later, security chases after the man and they were able to catch up with him and get the items back.

One mother agrees costumes can get pricey, but she suggests people make their own to save money and not steal.

"Go a little simpler. Do makeup, try putting together a costume. My mom always made our costumes. We were happy with it. We got to take part," said Donna Bangharut.

Each year, Spirit Halloween donates money earned from selling items patients at the Children's Center at Presbyterian. Last year, they donated $45,000, but owners say the large amount of theft could affect how much they donate this year.

Halloween store says parents bring children to steal costumes (2024)

FAQs

Why do kids dress up on Halloween? ›

The origin of dressing up in costumes was because it was thought that if people dressed as ghosts and demons the spirits might mistake them for one of their own and would not harm them. During the festival animals and even humans were sacrificed to appease Samhain.

Does Spirit Halloween have security cameras? ›

Spirit Halloween employees say they've also caught people red handed on their surveillance cameras using large bags to stuff their costumes inside.

What age do most kids stop dressing up for Halloween? ›

“There is no age limit on Halloween costumes, people dress up for different things,” Adkins said. Senior Christian Chiles is a teenager that doesn't really have an opinion on Halloween costumes. He dressed up for Halloween more when he was younger.

Why are schools not letting kids dress up for Halloween? ›

Some schools may have specific guidelines or restrictions on Halloween costumes to ensure that they are appropriate, safe, and respectful. For example, a school may prohibit costumes that are violent, offensive, or discriminatory. They may also prohibit costumes that promote drugs, alcohol, or other illegal activities.

Is Spirit Halloween OK for kids? ›

Parents need to know that Spirit Halloween: The Movie is a coming-of-age horror-thriller in which three tweens spend the night in a Halloween store. While it definitely has some scares, including jump scares throughout, it's age-appropriate for tweens -- there's no gore or bloody violence. The three tweens,…

Is Spirit Halloween owned by Walmart? ›

It is currently owned by Spencer Gifts. It was founded in 1983 and began in the Castro Valley "Village Shopping Center" in the San Francisco East Bay Area, California, and has headquarters in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

Does Spirit Halloween let you try on clothes? ›

Costume Sizing Guide

We also have a 14 day return policy, so if you are still unsure you can purchase both sizes to try on and return the size no longer needed for a refund.

What is the meaning of dress up for Halloween? ›

It was believed that on that day, the souls of the dead returned to their homes, so people dressed in costumes and lit bonfires to ward off spirits. In this way, popular Halloween tropes such as witches, ghosts, and goblins became associated with the holiday.

Why do people start wearing costumes on Halloween? ›

One theory explains that Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people would light bonfires and dress up in costumes to scare off roaming ghosts and spirits. They believed that on Halloween, ghosts came back to Earth and would haunt anyone who left their homes.

What makes a Halloween costume offensive? ›

Body-shaming and objectifying costumes

Think about it this way: If you wouldn't say it to a friend's face, don't wear it as a Halloween costume. Outfits that make fun of people's size, objectify human beings or otherwise make light of a person's lived experience are all inappropriate.

Why do some people wear clothes inside out on Halloween? ›

8. Which witch? Try wearing your clothes inside out and walk backwards on Halloween. According to traditions, this will make sure you see a witch at midnight.

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