Thursday, May 22, 2025
On Wednesday 21st May, officers from the Blackburn with Darwen Neighbourhood Team were joined by Trading Standards to conduct an underage sales operation as part of Sceptre, a national week of action to tackle knife crime.
Of the nine retail premises visited throughout the day, 8 of them challenged the underage shopper about their age before refusing to sell the items. One shop sold the items without challenge and are being dealt with.
Sergeant Michael Johnson from the Lancashire Violence Reduction Unit said: “Knives and other bladed articles are dangerous and the sale of them to children is not only illegal but puts them at risk too.
“We will continue to take action and carry out operations with our partners to ensure those selling these items do so legally.
"If you have any information on local shops selling knives to young people, please do contact us so that we can take appropriate action.”
If you have any information about knife crime in your area, call 101 or report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.