October 16, 2013 9.58 am This story is over 124 months old

Police to prevent sale of eggs and flour to teens over Halloween

Anti-social behaviour crackdown: Police will work with shop owners in Lincoln to prevent the sale of eggs, flour and fireworks to young people over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Lincolnshire Police will work with local shop owners to prevent the sale of eggs, flour and fireworks to young people during the Halloween and Bonfire night period.

The force says the run-up to the period is traditionally a time when it receives increased calls from the community reporting crime and disorder.

“This increase can have a significant impact on residents, especially the elderly and most vulnerable in society,” Lincolnshire Police said in a statement launching Operation Rhodolite.

“Operation Rhodolite will focus, during the up and coming weeks between Friday, October 18, and Wednesday, November 6, on education, prevention and enforcement tactics, which are aimed at delivering reductions in crime and disorder.

“Officers are working closely with local shop keepers to prevent the sale of eggs and flour to young people during this period and would also like to remind parents not to buy these items for their children.

“Parents are also reminded not to purchase fireworks for children under the age of 18. Traders who are found selling fireworks to under 18 year olds will be dealt with appropriately by Trading Standards.

“Groups of youths causing a nuisance will be dispersed and complaints of damage, nuisance and harassment will be positively dealt with. Offenders may be issued with Unacceptable Behavior Warning Letters.”

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 law states that it is illegal to sell fireworks or sparklers to anyone under the age of 18, and that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.

Failure to comply with firework legislation can lead to prosecution and a fine or a prison sentence, Lincolnshire Police warned.

[button url=”http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Crime-Reduction-Advice/Halloween-Poster.html” title=”YouTube”]Download this poster to deter Trick or Treat callers[/button]