Chorley Police have teamed up with Lancashire Trading Standards and young volunteers from across the area to conduct an under-age sales operation as part of Operation Sceptre – a national, intensive week of action to tackle knife crime.
The exercise, which took place as part of Sceptre last week, aimed to ensure that local businesses across Chorley are complying with the legislation and that those under the age of 18 are unable to purchase knives.
Three of the seven stores visited challenged our 14-year-old volunteer for identification before refusing to sell knives.
Four of the stores failed the test purchase. They were issued with a warning and will be revisited in the future to ensure they are complying with legislation.
Sergeant Paul Harrison from Chorley’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Knives are dangerous and the sale of them to children is not only illegal but puts them at risk too.
“All of the stores we visited were reminded of their responsibility when it comes to refusing sales to under-18s.
“If you have any information about stores that are not taking their responsibilities seriously, please let us know so that we can visit them and take action.”
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