Dozens of shops caught selling knives to kids as part of police action on knife crime
Avon and Somerset Police have an increased focus on the issue this week as part of Operation Sceptre
Avon and Somerset Police have been testing whether shops will sell knives and other weapons to kids, as part of a national operation targeting knife crime.
This week (May 16-22) the force are taking part in Operation Sceptre, which sees officers place an "intensified focus" on enforcement, education and engagement around the issue.
Officer say they have tested 120 retail sites across the force area and of these 29 failed, which works out as 24 per cent.
That is a slight improvement on the last Operation Sceptre week in November 2021, during which 26 per cent of shops failed.
"In the coming weeks, officers will engage with those who have failed for a first time, working in partnership to help them achieve compliance with the law and keep young people safe," a statement from the police reads.
Alongside the action on knife crime, Avon and Somerset Police are also taking part in Operation Aztec from May 18-29, which allows people to surrender firearms and ammunition for safe disposal, without the risk of prosecution.
Force tactical lead for knife crime, inspector Mike Vass, says we see "lives senselessly lost or forever changed" too often as a result of knife crime.
"We take robust and ongoing enforcement action all year around to deter the carrying of knives, disrupt the activities of those intent on using weapons in criminal activity and bring perpetrators to justice," he said.
"It is our duty to keep the public safe and when retailers break the law and repeatedly jeopardise this, as some have done, we will take decisive action."
The police say two retailers – who failed in previous testing and pledged during follow-up police visits to adopt a range of conditions going forward such as ensuring the full training of all their staff to ensure they are not selling knives or bladed articles to under-18s – will now face prosecution having failed for a second time.
Inspector Vass added officers "recognise the vulnerability" of many people caught up in carrying knives.
"Alongside enforcement work we are committed to early intervention and through partnership working with a multitude of agencies, we have teams working on building relationships with young people, educating them on how to stay safe and diverting them away from crime and anti-social behaviour which can escalate to serious violence," he said.
"We also listen to our communities, including young people, which helps shape our response to serious violence."
Avon and Somerset Police say they are also going to roll out more knife surrender bins so people can hand in their weapons "and free themselves of the risks and consequences" of carrying them.
Knife crime includes any crimes that involve the use of a sharpened weapon or blade.
It is illegal to sell a knife to or buy a knife from anyone who is under 18 years old.
Self-protection is not a reasonable excuse for carrying a weapon and possession of a knife carries a prison sentence of up to 4 years (5 years in Scotland) even if it’s not used.
You can see specific data about where across Avon and Somerset shops were tested and how many passed and failed, by following this link.