Shops across Lancashire put to test in clamp down on knife crime
It comes as part of a week of action for Operation Sceptre
Shops across Lancashire are being put to the test as part of a national crack down on knife crime.
The action is part of Operation Sceptre, which is a national week of action which aims to prevent knife crime.
Test purchasing operations are taking place to ensure that shops are complying with the laws and not selling knives to those under the age of 18.
We joined Lancashire Police's Violence Reduction Network in their joint operation with Trading Standards in Preston.
During this operation the majority of stores visited were found in compliance with the law.
However in one shop, a 15-year-old test purchaser was able to buy two chef's knives for just £2.
Chief Inspector Dave Oldfield from Lancashire Police tells us the operation is not just about enforcement: "Education is the main strategy really and encouraging businesses in particular to understand the law around knife crime.
"And so what we want to do is educate them to make sure they can help us prevent again in the future.
"What we need to do is get that understanding out there is that you don't need to carry a weapon to protect yourself.
"You are in more danger if you actually do carry a weapon."
After the failure, the shop was informed by the police that it is a criminal offence to sell a knife to a person under the age of 18. It will receive a further visit to ensure it is complying with the law.
Councillor Michael Green says: "We can make the promise here and now they will be tested again, and if they fail next time we will come down heavy on them including prosecuting them.
"At the end of the day we don't want businesses to stop trading, but if that's what we need to do to make sure this does not happen in Lancashire we will not stop."