you can't buy eggs if you are under 18, cop says
from AntBlog701

you can't buy eggs if you are under 18, cop says

Today's news, Police have been advocating the unlawful request in supermarkets, fast-food outlets and service stations, asking shopkeepers not to sell eggs to youth. The Daily Telegraph reported the story. A few youth in a boring town in NSW, Picton, had some idea to entertain themselves and visitors... throwing eggs. Obviously it won't be fun if you were the target. However, overpowered New South Wales Police decided to cut their supplies.

Now, when did eggs become weapons or illegal substances?
Requesting shops not to sell eggs without court order or any regulation may be unlawful and may breach the principle of fair trade. Further, I do not read that NSW Police is arresting offenders, but simply ask the shops not to sell eggs to them. This suggests that NSW Police is trying the easy way, and may prompt youths to acquire even more dangerous substances.

Shame on NSW Police.

news link: Cops attack youth egg crime (The Daily Telegraph, 28 February 2006)
related blog entry: overpowered NSW Police (14 December, 2005)

The Daily Telegraph, Cops attack youth egg crime (28 February 2006):

IN the sleepy hamlet of Picton, eggs are served four ways - scrambled, poached, fried or splattered.
It is the high incidence of the latter variety - raw and delivered from the hands of bored youths who lob them at homes, businesses, cars and even the elderly - that has led police to adopt a unique method to beat the town's No.1 crime.

Sick of youths pelting eggs at will, police have asked shops in Picton to ban young people from purchasing eggs, particularly on weekend nights and especially if the buyer appears suspicious.

Police have been advocating the unwritten law in supermarkets, fast-food outlets and service stations, asking shopkeepers to do their bit in cutting the supply to the egg-wielding bandits.

It may appear a comical situation, but while other Sydney suburbs are notorious for youth crime involving drugs, armed robbery or bashings - Picton has problems with poultry products.

IGA supermarket manager Robert Khan understands the need for the vigilance and is happy to obey the egg edict.

His problem will be deciphering between a kind-hearted son wishing to cook eggs for his mother, or the apparent evils of a prospective egg lobber.

"There is a problem in town, definitely. We will certainly support the police in what they are trying to do," Mr Khan said.

"I know a lot of people around the area and if I see a kid that I know buying eggs for no good reason, I won't let him buy them. Simple as that.

"But it will be hard to determine that."

Detective Inspector Paul Albury said the crackdown was a simple way of preventing what was an "annoying youth pastime" that has long plagued the town.

"We just want the local shops to dissuade young people from buying eggs," he said.

Local youth Adam, 18, said the egg-throwing was the work of a gang of 14 and 15 year olds who roam the streets at the weekend because "it's pretty dead down here - not much to do".

Police confirmed Picton station was the target of a tossed tomato attack last week. Tomato suppliers should also be alert - but not alarmed.

news link:
Cops attack youth egg crime (The Daily Telegraph, 28 February 2006)
related blog entry:
overpowered NSW Police (14 December, 2005)
The Picton Map is modified from whereis.com.au