Crackdown on egg throwers

Police say a similar campaign last year saw a drop in egg throwing

Police in east Devon are advising shopkeepers to stop selling flour and eggs to youngsters in the run-up to Halloween.

They are trying to avoid the problems of previous years when elderly people have been frightened by egg and flour-throwing trick-or-treaters.

Police say a similar initiative last year saw a 50% drop in flour and egg throwing.

PC Andrew Squires, neighbourhood beat manager for Exmouth town centre, said: "We have identified a number of retail premises where youngsters may be able to obtain such items in order to harass and threaten elderly people through the Halloween period."

Parents warned

One Exeter woman, who is in her 70s, has taped up her letter box because of the problem of youngsters throwing eggs and fireworks at her property.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It's terrifying, they are only about 12 or 14 years old.

"They never used to do it in my time. I blame the parents."

Police have also been contacting schools to make pupils aware of the fear their behaviour can cause and to ask parents to keep a close eye on their children.