Slough Trading standards saw fantastic results during a recent test purchasing exercise when ten retailers they visited refused to sell knives to underage teenagers.
The results came last week, as trained volunteers attempted to buy knives from stores across Slough. Every trader refused to sell the restricted items without identification.
The age restriction for selling knives to the public is 18, and selling such items to minors carries a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment plus a £5,000 fine.
Russell Clarke, trading standards enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “Over the past few years we’ve carried out a number of initiatives to encourage responsible trading of knives and bladed items.
“This includes handing out guidance packs to retailers and providing updates on law and legislation, such as the rise in age restriction from 16 to 18 last October.
“We’ve also been promoting the Slough Citizen proof of age card for young people over the past three years.
“This free card was introduced to help retailers accurately determine a young person’s age when selling age restricted products.”
Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, commissioner for community and leisure, said: “The recent test purchase saw excellent results, and proves the message from our trading standards team is really hitting home.
“Knife crime is a very serious issue amongst young people in the UK. It’s vital that retailers play their part by trading responsibly to prevent children buying knives to use as possible weapons.”
Young people aged between 16 and 18 years old who attend a school in Slough can apply for a free ‘Citizencard’ by contacting trading standards, on 01753 875255.
Slough Borough Council
