Police praise shops for helping to tackle knife crime
Young Plymouth Police Cadets took part in an operation recently when they tried to buy knives from local shops.
The test purchase visits to nine retail premises were part of the national Sceptre awareness week to tackle knife crime and keep communities safe.
The Plymouth Child Centred Policing Team (CCPT) organised and took part in the activity and were joined by two cadets aged 15 and 16. It is illegal for shops to sell knives to anyone under 18.
PC Deb Hart explained: “The two teenage police cadets attempted to buy knives from the shops and were exceptional in their delivery and confidence. This operation was a brilliant collective team effort from all involved.
“We covered nine locations in the city and on the outskirts including independent shops and high street chains. Only one shop failed the test purchase with eight shops passing the process.
“The shop that failed to ask for ID and make checks would have potentially sold a large pair of kitchen scissors to the cadets during their transaction.”
Police are encouraged by the results of this recent operation and will continue to work with retailers to increase awareness about the guidelines.
Devon & Cornwall Police does not have a high rate of knife crime. However our teams carry out prevention work all year round to educate and inform and prevent incidents and potential tragedies taking place. Officers work hard to dispel the myth that carrying a knife makes someone safer – in fact the opposite is true.
Youngsters and their friends and family are encouraged to visit the Force’s #NotTheOne website for useful information.
#NotTheOne | Devon & Cornwall Police
For more information about the rules around knife sales please visit Selling, buying and carrying knives and weapons - GOV.UK
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