Police tackle sale of knives to young people

Devon and Cornwall Police said the test purchase operation highlighted gaps in training for some retailers across Plymouth

Seven retailers in Plymouth failed to conduct "appropriate checks" when underage cadets attempted to buy a bladed article, police have said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said local officers conducted a plain-clothed test purchase operation in the city centre to "establish if knives are likely to be sold to people under the age of 18".

Officers were joined by citizens in policing, as two police cadets under the age of 18 volunteered to take part.

Police said the team visited 21 retail stores, ranging from independent stores to national high street chains on 18 May.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the operation aimed to confirm retail employees understood the law in relation to selling bladed articles to prevent them being purchased by people under the age of 18

The team attempted to purchase different types of bladed articles, which included craft knives, fishing knives and regular kitchen knife sets.

Police said: "Fourteen passed by following the Challenge 25 protocol, requesting ID at the earliest opportunity and refusing to sell the bladed article to the young person.

"Seven retailers failed to put the appropriate checks in place to ensure a bladed article was not being sold to an underage person.

"No offences were committed during this test purchase operation, as a plain-clothed police officer stepped in before the purchase took place, to inform the retailer they had failed."

'Improve education'

Insp Paul Laity said gathering the information was important to understand where education and training was "lacking".

“Whilst the results cause concern, this presents an opportunity for the police and Trading Standards to work closely with retailers across the city to improve education around the legalities, risks and penalties associated with selling bladed articles to underage people," said Mr Laity.

When retail workers were challenged, police said they were "just so busy" and "didn't want to embarrass the customer by asking their age".

Mr Laity added: "Young people don’t get embarrassed when asked about their age, and they are used to being asked for valid ID as young adults entering pubs and clubs."

'Remain vigilant'

Mr Laity also hoped the operation would help "mitigate knife crime" and plans to carry out further test purchases in the future to ensure "retailers remain vigilant".

Police said the information gathered during the operation was passed to Trading Standards, who will be join local police supervisors in visiting retailers to raise awareness of schemes.

Alex Fry, operations manager for heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: "Retailers of all sizes need to follow the rules, and our officers are always willing to help retailers with training or practical compliance advice on avoiding underage sales.”

Police said it was illegal to carry most knives in public without "good reason" and carrying knives or bladed articles in the UK could result to up to four years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both.