Youngsters in Moray are being discouraged from buying eggs and flour this Hallowe’en in an attempt to prevent trick-or-treaters causing distress and annoyance to householders.
Moray Council’s community wardens will be contacting local shopkeepers asking them to display posters advising customers that eggs and flour will not be sold to anyone under the age of 16.
The area’s community safety partnership is also appealing to parents not to allow children to take eggs and flour from home.
In keeping with tradition, guisers sometimes throw a mixture of eggs and flour at the windows or doors of homes where residents do not answer. In the lead-up to Hallowe’en youngsters have also been known to knock on doors and then run away before the occupant answers.
Both practices can cause distress, fear and alarm, particularly to the elderly and vulnerable.
The council’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, Andy Jamieson, said: “Nobody wants to spoil the youngsters’ fun, but there are people – many of them elderly or living alone – who would rather not have to answer the door to strangers on a dark night.
“We want youngsters to go out and enjoy the season’s activities but to ensure that they do not cross the line and are mindful of the impact their activity may have on the elderly and more vulnerable people in the community.”