Stop selling kids flour and eggs, shops told

Shops in part of Leicester have been asked to stop selling flour, eggs and tomato ketchup to children in the run-up to Halloween.

Investigations into retail crime in West Leicester have led officers to notice a rise in both the sale and the theft of the kitchen staples to youngsters ahead of both Halloween and Bonfire Night.

As a result police officers have been visiting stores to ask them to display posters stating no sales of the items will be made to under-18s without an adult present.

"While we'd love to believe a sudden interest in baking has swept through the area, we're fairly certain pancakes are not on the menu," said a spokesperson for West Leicester Police.

The visits had also helped officers to speak to staff and gather CCTV footage to help identify those behind theft, police said.

The beat team also asked parents and carers to speak to children about the impacts of throwing projectiles at houses, windows and vehicles.

"Please remember, flour and eggs belong in cakes, not on neighbours' walls," police said.

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