Creepy Halloween prop axed over ‘voyeurism’ fears (PHOTO, POLL)

A Halloween decoration depicting a ‘Peeping Tom’ has been pulled from Home Depot stores in Canada after a customer complained it made light of voyeurism.

The item called ‘Scary Peeper Creeper’ is described by the DIY superstore as being a “fun” and “realistic” window hanging, perfect for scaring friends or freaking out trick-or-treaters.

Made from plastic, the Halloween decoration portrays a hooded man with crazed eyes and raised hands peering through a window.

The product was retailing for CAD$29.98 but Home Depot stores in Canada are now in the process of withdrawing the spooky item.

The product’s removal from shelves comes after customer Breanne Hunt-Wells argued the decoration was “inappropriate”.

“It makes light of a very serious crime. Voyeurism is a crime in Canada,” she told CBC Radio.

A website selling a range of creepy Halloween window ornaments explains the prop was invented to “simulate a ‘Peeping Tom’ looking in through a window.”

“Whether you want to scare friends, family, co-workers or your neighbor’s kids, the original Scary Peeper is a perfect Halloween prop,” the site states. It also features a video explaining how the realistic decoration attaches onto a window pane via a suction cup, giving the impression that a hooded man is “staring at you.”

“When you look at the Scary Peeper, it is believable right off the bat, you see those eyes and you’re sold,” a man testing the product says.

Many people have defended the seasonal creation, although the online reaction has been mixed between those supporting the use of alarming decor at Halloween and those saying it is just “creepy as hell”.

Home Depot has apologized for any offence caused by the item.

“We agree that this is not in line with our core values and, when we heard, took immediate action and are currently in the process of removing this product from our assortment,” a Home Depot spokesperson told Canada’s CBC News.

“We’ve reached out to advise the customer of our actions and apologize. We’re sorry for any offence that was caused.”

Manufacturers Scary Peeper Inc told RT.com that in four years they have never recieved a complaint and explained the prop was intended as a “fun-spirited prank”.

“We offer our sincerest apologies to anyone who has been offended by our products, and certainly, to those who have been victimized by voyeurs,” a statement read.

“The support we have received from all around the world has reinforced that the vast majority of people see and use our products as intended.”

A spokesperson said the ‘Scary Peeper Creeper’ continues to be sold in the US by Home Depot.