SHOPKEEPERS have banned the sale of eggs and flour to young people.

The ban, currently in place across Redcar and Cleveland, comes as authorities crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

It is part of Operation Autumnus, an initiative which will see emergency services, council and housing chiefs work together to deal with potential anti-social behaviour.

The operation includes dedicated police enforcement and patrols, home visits from council officers and letters sent to people currently subject to ASBOs and acceptable behaviour agreements.

Visits have also been made to local schools and posters issued to all shops and supermarkets stating that anti-social and nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated in the area.

From Monday, Cleveland Fire Brigade will be carrying out arson audit patrols. A council-run illegal bonfire removal team will respond to reports of illegal bonfires from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, with additional cover from noon to 8pm on November 3 and 4.

A dispersal order covering the Greater Eston area also came into force yesterday and will run until Tuesday, November 6. The order allows police officers to disperse groups of two or more people they believe could cause members of the public to become intimidated, alarmed or distressed.