Nottingham retailers commended after none sells to test purchasers in police operation

Nottinghamshire Police has commended store owners for their diligence following a proactive operation to tackle the illegal sale of knives and fireworks.

Seven businesses in the Sherwood, Bulwell, Bulwell Forest and Bestwood areas of Nottingham were visited by a member of Nottinghamshire Police’s dedicated knife crime team along with colleagues from the city north neighbourhood policing team.

“I am pleased all the stores we tested did not sell knives or fireworks to the underage test purchasers who were aged 15. They were challenged for ID and refused sale without it,” Inspector Oliver Vale, from the knife crime team, said.

“Retailers play a crucial role in helping us to keep people safe and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure compliance with the law.”

The operation, held on 25 October, was also supported by Nottingham City Council Trading Standards.

It comes after a man was sentenced this week for setting off a firework which caused a huge blaze at Nottingham's Cattle Market site.

“I would like to praise the stores for their diligence. These encouraging results show that retailers do have robust processes in place and are carrying out stringent checks for those trying to purchase knives and fireworks,” Insp Vale said.

“By working in partnership it also sends a strong message that we will not tolerate people carrying knives on our streets or those seeking to cause disruption and antisocial behaviour in our communities.”

It is illegal to sell a knife or similar bladed article to a person under the age of 18. It is also a criminal offence to sell category F2 and F3 fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 and for anyone aged under 18 to possess these types of fireworks in a public place.

Category F2 and F3 fireworks cover most types of outdoor fireworks, including rockets, which have a specified safety distances for spectators.

It is also illegal for retailers to sell category F1 fireworks to anyone under the age of 16. These are very small fireworks which require a minimal safety distance.

“I hope the action we’re taking and the outcome of this operation, in the run up to Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night, reassures people of our determination to crack down on knife and firework-related crime and disorder,” Insp Vale added.