Yeovil police crack down on egg crime this Halloween

Somerset Police are encouraging Yeovil shopkeepers not to sell eggs, flour or fireworks to under-18s this Halloween.

Halloween is an excitable time of year for most children, who have the opportunity to dress up and consume an abundance of sweets.

Somerset and Avon Police are keen to ensure that Halloween, traditionally their busiest night of the year, remains a fun-packed holiday for all.

They have pledged this year to be relentless in their crackdown on anti-social behaviour on Halloween.

Posters have been created for retailers who are being encouraged to ID people before selling them eggs, flower or fireworks.

Once again, the police have also designed posters for residents who don't want to play host to trick-or-treaters, to display in their windows.

Police are encouraging children to respect those who do not wish to take part.

They have also anticipated an increase in the number of 999 emergency calls and non-emergency calls and have drafted extra staff for their communications team. Police are urging people not to abuse the 999 calls system on the night.

Police Superintendent, Ian Smith, said: "Halloween has become one of the busiest nights of the year because of the numbers of calls we receive from the public.

"Like our colleagues in neighbouring forces, Avon and Somerset Police have been busy planning and preparing for the Halloween/Bonfire Night period, aiming to stamp out any anti-social behaviour and violence."

He also stressed that any people wishing to report nuisance behaviour such as eggs and flour being thrown at a property should call the non-emergency 101 number.

Supt Smith added: "We know that this time of the year can be potentially worrying and frightening for vulnerable members of the community – particularly the elderly.

"Our aim – with our partners – is to provide reassurance and support and make our communities feel safe and be safe on the evening, allowing everyone to get into the spirit of the occasion but have a fun and safe time."

If you want to print out one of the posters for your shop or home, you can find them on the Avon and Somerset Police website.

Avon and Somerset Police's Halloween code of conduct:

•     Do stay in a group
•     Do tell someone where you are going, who with and when you'll be back
•     Do make sure you can be seen – wear something bright or reflective
•     Do respect other people's property
•     Don't call on homes showing a 'sorry no trick or treat' poster
•     Don't go to strangers' homes
•     It is illegal for an under-18 to have a firework in a public place (Fireworks Act 2003)
•     It is illegal to throw a firework in a public place (Explosives Act 1875).
•     Parents
•     Do supervise younger children
•     Do remind teenagers to respect others' property
•     Do encourage children to call only on their friends
•     Do make sure you know where they're going, who with and when they'll be back.