Last week, as part of intensified police activity aimed at tackling knife crime under Operation Sceptre, Trading Standards supported efforts by conducting test purchasing at retailers on the Isle of Wight.
Test purchasing involves employing young volunteers to enter a shop or supermarket and attempt to purchase age-restricted goods – in this case, knives. 11 retailers were visited in the Newport area over the course of the week and all of the outlets passed the test, meaning that no knives were sold to the young volunteers.
Inspector Alison Attwood, from the Isle of Wight High Harm Team, said:
“The fact that no knives were sold to underage people during the test purchasing is a fantastic reflection of the store owners on the island looking to keep the community safe.
“Working with businesses and partners in this fashion plays such a crucial role in preventing knives getting into the wrong hands.
“Throughout Operation Sceptre we have also been engaging with local schools. Opening up the conversation with young people allows us to further understand the reasons why individuals carry knives and also to educate them around the dangers of carrying one.”
Last week between Monday 14th – Sunday 20th November, officers made 48 arrests and recovered 213 knives in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of continued efforts.
12 knives were taken off the streets and 8 arrests were made (7 of these knife-related offences) following 63 stop and searches.
Amanda Gregory, Isle of Wight Council’s Strategic Manager for Regulatory and Community Safety Services, said:
“The result of our test purchasing operation is really positive. It shows that local retailers are aware of their responsibilities and are mindful of the risks that unlawfully selling knives to young people could present.
“It’s important that as a community we continue to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime, as part of the Community Safety Partnership, alongside our police, education, parents/carers and other partners, to keep our young people safe.”
If you are aware of anyone who carries a knife or have concerns that someone you know may carry a knife, report it to Police or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Why would they need to buy ? when they can just go in supermarket/Poundland/Homebargainetc and shop lift , or buy online. We and police need to focus on need for young to feel they have to carry for protection from threats made to them from others, ( police carry taser,cs gas , gun’s for protection) you would be surprised how many actually carry knives and other stuff for protection because they live in a violent and threatening peer group now days. The majority are not carrying to harm others with intent or to mug or raid local shop. They are like wild animals and would only use when directly threatened. Everyone needs to feel safe so need more education and minority of those that threaten and bully in schools are ones need targeting.
Well done to all the shops. However could underage purchases be made online ??
funny that my 17 ur old brought a knife and a bottle of Smirnoff from Sainsburys??? Can’t be doing that right
funny that my 17 ur old brought a knife and a bottle of Smirnoff from Sainsburys??? Can’t be doing that right can they
We always see the figures for Hants & IW. Would be interesting to know how many of or, if any were on the Isle of Wight.