YOUNGSTERS across Suffolk will be banned from buying eggs and flour in some shops this Halloween to prevent some of the trickery of years gone by.Suffolk police are encouraging shop owners not to sell eggs to under-16s on October 29, 30 or 31 and have vowed anyone caught throwing eggs will be prosecuted for criminal damage.

YOUNGSTERS across Suffolk will be banned from buying eggs and flour in some shops this Halloween to prevent some of the trickery of years gone by.

Suffolk police are encouraging shop owners not to sell eggs to under-16s on October 29, 30 or 31 and have vowed anyone caught throwing eggs will be prosecuted for criminal damage.

The force has created posters for retailers to display in shop windows and will also be targeting schools and businesses to try to encourage youngsters to behave responsibly.

Inspector Ben Cook, crime reduction officer for Suffolk police said: “We hope that this year people will take a responsible attitude to Halloween, we are taking steps to ensure that disturbances and public nuisance is kept to a minimum.

“By repeating the measures that worked last year, we hope to keep the number of disturbances to a minimum.

“There will be extra patrols throughout the county, the helicopter will be deployed and each area has a specific set of initiatives for tackling any disturbances caused by unruly celebrations.

“We don't want youngsters to think we are picking on them and trying to spoil their fun. Indeed I would also like to appeal to the public in general to be a little more tolerant of the antics of those celebrating Halloween.”

Posters have been created for homes not wishing to take part in festivities and schools will be displaying advice to parents, questioning whether they would allow their children to knock on strangers' doors if it wasn't Halloween.

In the west of the county, as well as increasing patrols, police will also be at various locations handing out goody bags on October 31.

The bags contain crime prevention advice, personal safety leaflets and sweets.

Posters for householders not wanting to take part are available from police stations or by following the links on the Suffolk police website: www.suffolk.police.uk

Have trick or treaters ever ruined your Halloween? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

Weblinks: www.suffolk.police.uk; www.eveningstar.co.uk/news

TIPS FOR CHILDREN:

Carry a torch.

Always walk - never run across the road.

Stay in familiar neighbourhoods - NEVER go into a stranger's house or car.

Before crossing the road take off your hood so that you can see where you are going.

Never cut across dark yards or driveways,

Only go to houses that have lights on.

Stay away from animals that you do not know.

Do not eat your treats until an adult has checked them.

Respect any notices asking you not to call at a house.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Consider adding reflective tape or strips to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for higher visibility.

Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within any Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

Insist that your child/children eat before setting out.

Warn your child/children not to eat their treats until they get home and you have inspected them. Check the wrappings carefully and discard anything that looks suspicious.

Explain the difference between tricks and vandalism (good and bad behaviour) at Halloween time.

Know the routes your child/children intend to take and what time they should be home.

Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany groups of children.

If older children are going out alone make sure they have a mobile phone or sufficient cash to make a phone call.