Warning to traders over selling flour at Halloween

Wyre Forest shops have been warned against selling flour and eggs to under 18s in the run-up to Halloween. They could be thrown at people or property.Police are asking shops to display posters saying flour and eggs will only be sold to over 18s or young people accompanied by an adult.

Operation Ghost, has been launched to help deter anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance.

High visibility patrols by police and community support teams will increase.

Officers visited schools to talk about trick-or-treat nuisance and firework safety.

Posters saying 'Sorry No Trick or Treat' are available at front counters at Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley police stations as well as Worcestershire Hub, Kidderminster Town Hall.

Pc Andy Hill, of Kidderminster police station, said: "This is an exciting time of year for youngsters and we do not want to be spoil sports but equally we recognise that some people, such as the elderly, can find trick or treat a real ordeal, and what is meant to be a bit of fun can quickly get out of hand and result in criminal damage being caused. "

Police plan to check fireworks sale points and provide leaflets on safety to remind staff of a law which says fireworks cannot be lit between 11pm and 7am.