Oct 28, 2008 6:58 pm US/Central
Neighborhoods Concerned About Halloween Egg Wars
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Halloween is just three days away. And for some people on the north side -- and North Shore -- that means trouble because teenagers will be out throwing eggs. CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports two neighborhood associations are teaming up to take the "egg-ammo" out of circulation.
Since 2006, Howard Street between Ridge and Clark has been the Halloween battleground for egg wars between groups of teens.
Homes, businesses, and even people in the area often become unwilling targets.
"Everywhere, there was my car. They were on the floor," said Maria Von Medvey, Apple the Second Boutique. "They were on the windows. People who was walking on the streets."
Medvey says the egg wars damage more than her property. She says business suffers because customers are reluctant to shop in the area around Halloween.
"People feel intimidated by that because they don't care if you're walking, you're going to be a target," Medvey said. "If you're in the way, they are going to get you."
So neighborhood associations are asking local stores not to sell eggs to minors during the Halloween season. They say most have been cooperative, and others already had policies in place.
"One store on Clark is actually pulling the eggs on Friday, October 31st," said Bernard Garbo, Network 2424 President.
The neighborhood associations say they don't want to ruin the Halloween fun for teens. They hope this year though, instead of vandalizing neighborhoods, the kids will find something more productive to do with their time.
"Go out with your little brother, go out with your little sisters, split up candy, watch scary movies, there's any number of things that kids could do," said Michelle Hayes, Brummel Park Neighbors.
Hayes says if teens still choose to head to Howard Street on Halloween, they should know citizen patrols will be working closely with Evanston and Chicago Police to make sure there is no unruly behavior.
Because Halloween falls on a Friday this year, the neighborhood associations are asking stores to not resume regular sales of eggs until Monday.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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