Hallowe'en egg ban in crackdown on attacks

Published on Saturday 28 October 2006 13:06

YOUNGSTERS are facing a ban on buying eggs in a bid to cut down on Hallowe'en attacks.

Shops in the Capital have been told not to sell eggs to youths for fear they will be used to pelt properties or people. The move is aimed at stopping egg attacks on householders who do not give generously following a "trick or treat".

Police have written to all shops and stores in west Edinburgh asking them to adhere to the ban over the Hallowe'en and Guy Fawkes night period. Retailers today welcomed the order and insisted it would be strictly enforced.

Chief Inspector John Hawkins, who is based at Wester Hailes Police Station, said: "Our objectives around Hallowe'en are to encourage public safety, and to minimise acts of antisocial behaviour and vandalism.

"Eggs being thrown is a form of antisocial behaviour and we are keen to address problems like that. From a few days before Hallowe'en right through until after November 5 we see an increase in these kinds of problems.

"We've sent a letter out to all retailers in the Pentlands area asking them to refrain from selling eggs to young people around this period. They need to be mindful that young people will be buying eggs for ammunition and we want them to be on the lookout for these people and refrain from selling to them if they are concerned."

Among the other actions being taken are increased foot patrols by officers, visits to schools to warn youths to act responsibly, meetings with retailers on firework laws and promotion of an information alert service that can warn residents about potential problems.

David Chalmers, vice-chair of the Federation of Small Businesses in Edinburgh, said shopkeepers should be willing to co-operate with the police request.

He said: "It's a perfectly sensible suggestion. I've come under attack in the past from something like this so I know the threat it poses. Reminding shopkeepers of their duties and responsibilities about selling something that can be used as a weapon is no bad thing. An egg in your eye can cause considerable damage.

"It is not going to affect genuine sales - an old dear will still get her dozen eggs. But young people coming in and only wanting to buy a dozen eggs should raise suspicions and it's right that shop owners shouldn't sell to them at this time of year."

The policy also gained support from local councillor Brian Fallon, who covers the Murrayburn ward. He said: "It's a great idea and it's really good news that police and the community are trying to change the actions of young people who throw eggs.

"I'm sure that this will get the co-operation of shops in the area. People don't want to face the threat of eggs being thrown at them or their buildings.

"There's a lot of high spirits among young people around Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night but they need to make sure that's not at the expense of older people."

Police will also be sending out information to residents about Hallowe'en threats to anyone who has signed up to its police.uk service by texting POLICE and their postcode to 88588. They are encouraging more residents to sign up in the coming days.