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Knife sellers warned to sharpen up their act |
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Trading Standards has warned that businesses which sell knives to children risk a £5,000 fine or six months in prison.
The service will be actively checking compliance with the law, using volunteer child test purchasers. Businesses and staff that sell illegally risk a £5000 fine and/or 6 months in prison.
The age at which it is legal to buy a knife was increased on 1st October from 16 to 18. The change has been introduced in a bid to reduce the number of youngsters who carry knives. Since 2000, young people aged 10 to 17 have accounted for one fifth of those who have been convicted of unlawfully carrying a knife.
Prior to the law change, over a quarter of County retailers subjected to test purchasing sold knives illegally to children under 16. This is a worrying statistic particularly as knives in the hands of youngsters can result in devastating consequences. The reality is that a youngster seeking to boost their “street cred.” by carrying a blade may put themselves in a position where someone could be killed.
David Bull, Head of Trading Standards said: “I urge retailers to pay special attention to this change in the law and make sure they and their staff do not make illegal underage sales of knives. Proper staff training that is recorded and regularly refreshed is vital including ways in which age determination can be tackled. What to some may seem like a burden on business, could potentially save lives.”
Businesses in the County who would like a free pack of practical precautions or consider they need further advice to deal with age restricted sales should contact the Trading Standards Business Advice Line on 0116 3058000”.
Inspector Richard Hiom said: “Leicestershire Constabulary fully support this change in the law and will work hard with partners to ensure that it is enforced. Knife crime is very rare however can have a devastating effect on families and communities. The more that we can do to protect children the better society will be and retailers can start by taking positive action and not selling to those under 18"
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