Undercover Tests Reveal Over a Third of Lancashire Shops Illegally Sold Knives to Teenagers

An undercover operation conducted last month by trading standards and Lancashire Police revealed that over a third of shops in Lancashire illegally sold knives to teenagers. Volunteers, ranging in age from 13 to 16, attempted to purchase knives and bladed articles from various retail establishments throughout the county. Specifically, 24 of the 59 shops tested sold knives to the young volunteers. Four of these establishments had committed the offense twice this year and are now subject to additional enforcement measures. Knives are classified as age-restricted products, and businesses or their employees found selling them to individuals under 18 could face penalties including up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Lancashire Police reported that the tests, conducted between November 9 and 16, resulted in the purchase of various types of knives, from Stanley knives to kitchen knives, at diverse retail locations, including hardware stores and corner shops. Sgt Rachel Killinger, representing the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, stated: “Knives are dangerous and the sale of them to children is not only illegal but puts them at risk, too.” She emphasized the “really important” need to prevent knives from reaching children. She further noted that all visited shops received a reminder regarding their obligation to refuse the sale of knives and bladed articles to individuals under 18. The public is encouraged to contact the force with any information concerning shops selling knives to children. County Councillor Michael Green, who serves as Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, extended gratitude to the young volunteers for their participation, which contributed to enhancing resident safety and helping to “reduce the potential of knife crime”. He also stated: “It was particularly disappointing to see four of the shops sell a knife to the volunteers for a second time, after previously receiving a written warning and advice and guidance from trading standards.”