Shops and traders in the Moorlands who sell knives are being reminded of their responsibilities as part of a national campaign to reduce knife crime.
The ‘Ditch the Blade’ campaign from 15th to 28th May is being coordinated by Staffordshire Police.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service is playing its role by supporting local shops and retailers to make sure they are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to selling knives.
It is illegal to sell a knife or similar product to anyone under 18 years of age and best practice is for the retailer to adopt a recognised age verification system, often referred to as Challenge 25. Officers are providing advice and information on the rules, what to do, how to store knives etc. Head offices will also be contacted to offer advice on ensuring their staff are properly trained and are aware of the consequences of breaking the law.
Trading Standards officers regularly carry out test purchases across the county to ensure knives and other age-restricted products are not being sold to anyone under the age of 18.”
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “Knife crime is a concern for everyone, however, thankfully Staffordshire remains a place where incidents are rare.
“We already have high levels of compliance amongst local retailers when it comes to responsible knife sales. This is encouraging and we’re confident that the advice and support given out by our Trading Standards service is helping. This gives us all reassurances that these businesses are playing their part in making Staffordshire a safer place.
“Retailers of all sizes need to ensure their employee training policies are thorough and robust with regards to responsible knife sales. The safe storage and display of knifes is also important and officers are happy to provide advice. Businesses should get in touch with the team.”
Chief Inspector Rob Hessell, who leads on Knife Crime for the force said: “It’s really important that we all work together as a partnership to tackle knife crime, as it’s not something that can be solved by one organisation alone.
“Trading Standards are a key partner in our work to reduce the number of knives on the streets through the campaign, and their work to check retailer compliance on knife sales, ensuring young people are challenged at the point of attempted purchase, is vital to making our communities a safer place to be.”
Moorlands residents can find out more about the campaign at Ditch the Blade website. People can report illegal knife sales on our Trading Standards confidential number 01785 330356.
