Cops ask retailers, ‘Don’t egg kids on’

In advance of Halloween, cops are asking Queens store owners to help insure that youthful celebrations don’t turn ugly.
In a campaign dubbed “Operation Cooperation,” the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is circulating flyers for store owners to put in their windows, informing the public that they will not sell eggs or shaving cream to minors during Halloween week.
“Every year, something that starts out as a youthful prank turns into an assault with injury,” said Kevin O’Donnell, anti-crime officer for the 109th Precinct in Flushing. “We know kids are going to make mischief,” he said, “but we’re asking grown-ups to act like responsible adults.”
The NYPD’s idea is for store-owners to exercise reasonable judgment. “If somebody buys a whole bag of groceries, that’s one thing,” O’Donnell admits. “But if a 12-year-old comes into your store covered in shaving cream and wants to buy eggs, we’re asking you not to sell to them.”
“Eggs may not seem dangerous, but they can be thrown hard, causing eye injury and that’s an assault,” O’Donnell said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions that Halloween is a dangerous time for kids. They caution that automobile collisions, eye injuries (mostly from sharp objects which are part of a costume) and burns from flammable costumes are the most common reasons kids wind up in hospitals every Halloween.
The key to Halloween safety is adult supervision, they say.
O’Donnell concurs. “We’re asking people to help us - on Halloween, don’t let your children leave the home with eggs or shaving cream. And if you observe a large or disorderly group, call 9-1-1 and tell us where they are.”
“We want kids to enjoy their Halloween, without being afraid of older kids, and especially without getting hurt.”