TWO West Yorkshire shops have been caught in a police 'sting' for illegally selling knives to under-18s.
Random checks carried out in the Dewsbury and Batley areas involved a 15-year-old test purchaser calling at 10 stores, two of which sold knives over the counter. The two shops now face possible prosecution for flouting the law.
Det Sgt Jim Griffit
hs, who is leading the crackdown, was disappointed to see the message had not got through.
"We need to get through to retailers that they have a key responsibility in taking knives off the streets. This initial round of test purchasing is particularly disappointing as the stores which sold to the 15-year-old were part of the same chain.
"Anyone caught selling potentially dangerous weapons to teenagers is formally interviewed and referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice on potential prosecution.
"As we've said before, this is not about catching people out; it is about taking knives off our streets and removing the potential for deadly consequences.
"Retailers know these test purchases are happening and it has been highlighted in the local press. They should be looking at every customer and questioning whether they are under the age of 18.
"West Yorkshire does not have a significant knife problem; however, this latest series of test purchase operations underlines the issues we face and also the need to educate retailers further.
"Over the last week, we have visited 25 stores in the local area which sell knives and handed out questionnaires in relation to the current legislation."
Details on the laws surrounding knife crime are available on the Ask the Police section of the Police National Legal Database website.
By logging on to www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q720.htm web users can find the latest information surrounding the sale of knives and associated issues.
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