Underage test purchasing operation carried out across Fylde

Saturday, 23 May 2026 05:59

By Shaun Moore

Fylde Police and Lancashire County Council Trading Standards have carried out a recent test purchasing operation, targeting the sale of knives and other bladed items to underage buyers.

On Monday 18th May 2026, officers and Trading Standards visited seven stores across Fylde following concerns raised by members of the public about potential unlawful sales.

During the operation, one premises failed to carry out the required age‑verification checks, selling a retractable knife to a 14-year-old. Lancashire Council Council’s Trading Standards team will be working directly with the store as a result.

All other six stores passed the test purchasing.

This activity was undertaken as part of Sceptre, a national campaign tackling knife crime through enforcement, prevention, education and community engagement. The week of action is led by Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network (LVRN), part of the Office of the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner and works under Commissioner Clive Grunshaw to bring together organisations across local communities to tackle the underlying causes that contribute to serious violent crime.

Neighbourhood Policing Sgt for Fylde, Adam Robinson, said: “This operation demonstrates the importance of proactive enforcement in preventing knife sales to underage individuals.

“The results are encouraging and show that the majority of retailers are acting responsibly, but where standards fall short, we will take appropriate action. Our priority is to work with businesses and our colleagues at Lancashire County Council to ensure compliance and keep young people safe.”