Chorley and South Ribble shops praised during knife test purchasing operation

Chorley and South Ribble Police along with young volunteers from across the area have conducted an under-age sales operation as part of a number of activities to coincide with Operation Sceptre, a national, intensive week of action to tackle knife crime.

The exercise last week, (Thursday, 16th November 2023) aimed to ensure that local businesses across Chorley and South Ribble are complying with legislation and that those under the age of 18 are unable to purchase knives.

Eight of the nine retail premises visited challenged our 15-year-old volunteers for identification before refusing to sell knives.

One 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.

PS Paul Harrison, who led the activity, said: “Knives are dangerous and the sale of them to children is not only illegal but puts them at risk too.

“We have been really pleased to see that the majority of staff have been aware of their responsibilities and took action not to sell knives to our under age test purchasers.

“It’s important that we don’t become complacent and 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 on young people purchasing knives in local shops, please do contact us so that we can take appropriate action.”

As part of the work to support #OpSceptre, which ran last week, officers have also carried out educational school visits to raise awareness of the consequences of carrying a knife.

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.