Five Preston shops illegally sold knives to children in undercover Lancashire Police sting

Lancashire Police teamed up with 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 young volunteers visited eight shops in the city to see whether local businesses were complying with the law which bans the sale of knives to those under the age of 18.

Three of the eight stores visited challenged Lancashire Police’s 15-year-old volunteer for identification and refused to sell knives. 

But five of the stores failed the test purchase. The force said these shops were issued with a warning and will be revisited in the future to ensure they are complying with legislation.

PS Ste Tillotson from Preston’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 on young people purchasing knives in local shops, please do contact us so that we can take appropriate action.”  

County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, added: “I was out with our Trading Standards Team in Preston yesterday and was appalled to see the majority of the businesses selling knives to a 15-year old. 

"Knives have no place on Lancashire's streets and Lancashire County Council is committed to working hard with the Police to tackle this issue and keep our young people safe." 

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.