Tricksters hit by egg ban

Police fear the eggs could be used as missiles

Shops have been urged not to sell eggs to youngsters - to stop them being used in trick-or-treat style pranks.

Cleveland Police have written to retailers to ask them to limit the amount of eggs sold to youngsters in the lead up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Officers fear children will use eggs as missiles and are planning to step-up patrols on the evening of 30 October - also known a Mischief Night in parts of northern England.

The force is also planning to work closely with street wardens to prevent anti-social behaviour on the three evenings that traditionally lead to high spirits among youngsters.

Inspector Gary Gamesby, of Cleveland Police, said special measures have to be taken at this time of year.

If three young men go into a shop to purchase 20 eggs on Mischief Night, I don't think they are planning to bake a chocolate cake Inspector Gary Gainsby

"We have looked at what happened last year and there were a significant number of eggs purchased in Middlesbrough to be used as missiles.

"We have written to all the retailers in the area to try and restrict sales where they feel young people are going to use them as missiles.

"Quite clearly, if three young men go into a shop to purchase 20 eggs on Mischief Night, I don't think they are planning to bake a chocolate cake.

"They are going to use them as missiles on people."

Mr Gamesby added: "There will be a significant number of police officers and street wardens on patrol on these particular nights.

"With Mischief Night, young people feel they have got a licence to commit anti-social behaviour, but we are not going to tolerate it.

"We want parents to send out a strong message to their children. By all means enjoy Halloween and enjoy Bonfire Night safely - but no anti-social behaviour."