No knives sold to underage buyers after test purchase operation in Lancaster district

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 15:48

By Beyond Radio News

A test purchase operation between police and Trading Standards revealed no shops visited in the Lancaster district sold a knife to an underage buyer.

The underage volunteers took part in a joint undercover knife test purchasing operation by Lancashire Trading Standards and Lancashire Police as part of Sceptre, a week of intense action which takes place twice a year across the county.

It is illegal to sell knives to young people under the age of 18. The testers, aged 14-16 years old, went into the shops between May 16 and May 23 to try to buy knives and bladed articles.

In total, 14 shops were tested, and all stores visited refused to sell a bladed item.

A spokesperson for Lancaster Area Police said: ‘’This is a very positive outcome and reflects the commitment of local businesses across Lancaster to help keep our communities safe.

‘’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.’’

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: “Knife crime isn’t an issue policing can solve in isolation. Stopping the sale and supply of knives solely intended to harm, along with supply to young people is an issue we can only address by working in partnership.

‘’It's encouraging to see the proactive work of the Trading Standards Team, helping to tackle the issue at its root.

“Tackling knife crime is about much more than seizing knives and making arrests. Through my Violence Reduction Network, I will continue to champion initiatives that prevent and intervene in serious violence, helping to make Lancashire a safer place for everyone.”

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