Test purchase shows under-18s in Milton Keynes able to buy knives
Joining TVP on a test purchasing operation, Greatest Hits Radio saw a 16-year-old buy a stanley knife
Last updated 8th Dec 2022
A test purchasing operation in Milton Keynes has found that it's possible for under-18s to illegally purchase knives at some shops.
As part of a month of action against violence in the city, which kicked off with the arrival of the knife angel earlier this month, Thames Valley Police have been using Aylesbury Police Cadets to carry out undercover purchasing operations.
How does a test purchase work?
Sergeant Hayden Lewis explained how it works: "The month of action will see a whole host of activity delivered not just by Thames Valley Police but other key partners including the Safety Centre, DK Dons SET, and the Milton Keynes City Council."
He continued: "We utilise our police cadets to come out into the field, into stores, and try to purchase knives, that's the premise of it.
"The cadets are invariably aged between 14 and 16, so shouldn't be able to purchase knives. We send them into a store under the watch of a guardian at a distance and we give them a brief before to see what they can buy. Then we test the compliance of the store with the legislation."
16-year-old purchased a stanley blade
Joining Thames Valley Police on their operation, Greatest Hits Radio witnessed a 16-year-old boy purchase a stanley blade with little difficulty.
Whilst two shops passed the test, the third and final store sold Ruben from Aylesbury Police Cadets a blade.
Talking just after the incident, Ruben explained what happened: "So I walked to the back of the shop, I picked up a stanley knife, some scissors, and a spirit level. I walked to the till said, 'do you take cash?' and she said 'yes'. Then she scanned them all through, took the security tag off the stanley knife, and then gave them back to me."
He added: "I was shocked. Knife crime is a nasty thing, so for it to be that easy it ridiculous and needs to be stopped before more people are hurt or killed."
What happens next?
Also talking after the successful purchase, Sergeant Lewis explained what happens next: "We would normally issue a warning letter and recommendations for additional training. We will also be returning to this store in the future to test their compliance and make sure any changes we've recommended have been applied."
He concluded: "It's really disappointing but it does highlight that there is a need for education, not just for our young people but also for the stores that are able to give access to these knives."