Police tackle underage knife sales

Devon & Cornwall Police recently conducted a plain-clothes operation in Plymouth, focusing on preventing the sale of knives to individuals under 18.

Officers from Devonport, supported by police cadets aged 14 and 16, visited 18 shops to test their compliance with age-check regulations. The operation aimed to raise awareness among retailers and safeguard young people from potential harm. 

Inspector Paul Laity, leading the operation, emphasized that the initiative was educational rather than punitive. “This proactive work is part of our commitment to keep young people safe from harm," he explained. "We expect employees to ask for valid identification and to refuse sales if age cannot be verified." 

The operation showed improvement since a similar exercise in May, where seven shops failed to perform adequate checks. This time, only two shops failed, with officers stepping in before sales were completed.

Many businesses had introduced stricter measures, such as storing knives behind counters, reflecting increased awareness of their responsibilities. 

The police partnered with Heart of the South West Trading Standards, which praised retailers for their diligence. Alex Fry, the organization’s Operations Manager, noted: “The results of the exercise were encouraging. It shows that the majority of retailers take their responsibilities seriously.”

Trading Standards also offers free resources and training to help businesses comply with regulations. 

Retailers are urged to adopt ‘Challenge 25,’ a policy requiring employees to ask for ID from anyone appearing under 25 when purchasing age-restricted items. Non-compliance can result in significant fines for both employees and businesses. 

Inspector Laity expressed gratitude to the cadets and businesses involved, affirming that similar operations will continue across Plymouth. “It’s everybody’s responsibility to safeguard young people,” he said. “Our officers will work closely with local businesses to ensure they feel confident in preventing underage sales and reporting concerns.” 

Selling knives to under-18s is illegal, and carrying a knife without a valid reason can result in severe penalties, including up to four years in prison. Authorities urge the public to report illegal knife sales or possession via Trading Standards or by contacting the police. 

For compliance support, businesses can access a free toolkit here. 

This operation highlights the collective effort needed to protect communities from knife-related crimes, with the police, retailers, and public working together to keep the South West safe.