West Lancashire shops praised following test purchase success

Lancashire Police have commended retailers following a covert operation to test the sale of knifes products to under 18s.

West Lancashire Police and cadets from across the area conducted the operation this week as part of Operation Sceptre, a national, intensive week of action to tackle knife crime.

The exercise aimed to ensure that local businesses across West Lancashire were complying with legislation and that those under the age of 18 are unable to purchase knives. All of the retail premises visited challenged the underage cadets for identification before refusing to sell the items.

PC Megan Boon, who led the activity, said: “We have been really pleased with the results from this test purchasing operation in which a number of local shops correctly refused to sell to those under the age of 18. However, we can never become complacent. If you have any information on young people purchasing knives in local shops, please do contact us so that we can take appropriate action.”

As part of the work to support #OpSceptre, officers will also be carrying out educational school visits to raise awareness of the consequences of carrying a knife.

Police have also urged the public to make use of the knife bins installed across the county to keep knives off the streets, adding that these containers are a safe and secure way to anonymously dispose of unwanted knives.