No knife sales were made to a young person in a test purchase campaign conducted by Bromley Trading Standards’ officers. The activity was part of the recent knife amnesty.
A 15-year-old volunteer went to various shops in Bromley and all traders refused to sell him a knife.
Cllr. George Taylor, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Safety and Chair of the Safer Bromley Partnership said: “It is good to see retailers in Bromley take this issue very seriously. The Trading Standards team will be writing to all the shops who refused the sale to thank them for their vigilance.”
Trading Standards Manager Rob Vale said: “It is illegal to sell knives to people under the age of 16. Those who do so face a fine of £5000 and/or six months’ imprisonment.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- It is illegal to sell knives to people under the age of 16 under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (offence weapons) as amended by the Offensive Weapons Act 1996. Fine £5000/6 months imprisonment.
- The Safer Bromley Partnership is committed to continuously improving safety in Bromley. We want a borough where people can live, work, play and learn safely. Our members include Bromley Council, Bromley Police, Health, Probation, Fire and London Ambulance Services, the Metropolitan Police Authority and Broomleigh Housing Association.
- For media enquiries, please contact Susie Clark, Communications Officer, on 020 8461 7911, or email susie.clark@bromley.gov.uk