The Met Police launched Operation Sceptre in July – a project aimed not only at reducing knife crime but at making sure that those selling knives are aware of licensing requirements. During phase two of the operation last week, police in Tower Hamlets, along with Volunteer Police Cadets and officers from Trading Standards, carried out test purchase operations between Friday, 23rd and Saturday, 31st October. Four out of the 25 shops visited in Tower Hamlets failed to comply with the law by selling knives to cadets who were under the age of 18.
Trading Standards spoke with the four sellers and will be investigating further. The retailers face the possibility of being prosecuted for selling knives to under-age teenagers. Overall, police and Trading Standards officers were encouraged by the number of shopkeepers who asked for identification and refused the sale of potentially lethal weapons to under 18s. Acting Detective Inspector Chris Watson, from Tower Hamlets, said: “I believe that this Operation has gone some way towards re-educating shops and stores about the dangers and consequences of selling pointed and bladed articles to under age young people.”
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