Chorley and South Ribble Police have teamed up with Lancashire Trading Standards and young volunteers 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 this week, aimed to ensure that local businesses across Chorley and South Ribble are complying with the legislation and that those under the age of 18 are unable to purchase knives.
Six of the eight stores visited challenged a 15-year-old volunteer for identification before refusing to sell knives.
Two of the stores, both in Chorley, failed the test purchase.
Sergeant Rachel Killinger from the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, which is overseen by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Knives are extremely dangerous when they get into the hands of children and can have devastating consequences, which is why strict age verification is essential.
“Retailers have a vital responsibility to challenge and verify age, and we will continue working with partners to ensure these laws are properly enforced to keep young people safe.”
Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities at Lancashire County Council said: “Keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility, which is why working with the police through Sceptre is so important. It allows us to take action against those who break the law, while also helping to prevent harm before it happens.
“It is concerning that some businesses were willing to sell knives to young people. Limiting access to these items is a crucial part of reducing risk and supporting safer communities
“Our Trading Standards team plays a key role in protecting residents, and we will continue to support their work to ensure Lancashire remains a safe place for everyone, particularly young people.”
Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: “Knife crime isn’t an issue policing can solve in isolation. Stopping the sale and supply of knives solely intended to harm, along with supply to young people is an issue we can only address by working in partnership.
‘’It's encouraging to see the proactive work of the Trading Standards Team and local officers in tackling this issue at its source.
“Tackling knife crime is about much more than seizing knives and making arrests. Through my Violence Reduction Network, I will continue to champion initiatives that prevent and intervene in serious violence, helping to make Lancashire a safer place for everyone.”
If you have any information about knife crime in your area, call 101 or report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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