This week, (Monday 15th May 2023), West Lancashire Police and Cadets from across the area conducted an under-age sales operation as part of a number of activities to coincide with 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.
We have installed knife bins across the county to keep knives off our streets, reducing their potential to cause harm and keeping people safe. These containers are a safe and secure way to anonymously dispose of unwanted knives.
The knife bins across West Lancashire can be found at the following locations:
Digmoor Community Centre, Skelmersdale, WN8 9HR
Tanhouse Community Centre, Skelmersdale, WN8 6AN
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.
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