Shops in Swindon are being urged by police not to sell flour or eggs to youngsters ahead of Halloween.
Posters are available for stores to display ahead of the 31st October, asking those under 18 to not ask for the everyday items, which are often used as missiles.stable Deb Smith
In an open letter to business owners, Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said “As we approach Halloween, I am writing to raise awareness of the potential increase in under 18’s purchasing items such as eggs and flour from your store for the purposes of causing anti-social behaviour.
“In previous years, we have received reports of young people throwing eggs and flour at buildings and homes of unsuspecting victims.
“Whilst we appreciate that Halloween is an opportunity to have fun, it can also be a frightening time for others and we kindly ask that you play your part in highlighting this issue to your staff so they can remain extra vigilant during this period.
“We can’t stop shops from selling items, but we politely ask that you question yourself why a young person, or group of youngsters, want to buy boxes of eggs and bags of flour.
“You can access a Wiltshire Police approved poster via our website. We fully support you in having this made visible in your store in the run-up to Halloween and we also support you in refusing the sale of eggs and flour to anyone under 18 over this period.
“We will not tolerate those wishing to cause harm and disruption to our communities and have warned people that anti-social behaviour and criminal damage during this time will be dealt with firmly and appropriately.
“Your assistance in making this poster visible in your store and highlighting this issue to your staff so they can be extra vigilant, would be greatly appreciated.”
