SHOPS in Thurrock were tested yesterday, Thursday 19 September, on whether they would sell knives to children as part of our week of action for Op Sceptre.
Test purchasing has been taking place in Lakeside Retail Park, Thurrock and 10 retailers were tested.
Nine refused to sell a knife to someone under the age of 18 so passed the test but one failed.
Each retailer was given a letter confirming whether they had passed or failed.
Inspector Paul Ballard, from the Thurrock Community Policing Team, said: “Test purchasing is a really useful way to check whether retailers are carrying out their responsibilities in helping keeping our community safe.
“There is an onus on retailers to ensure their staff are trained to check someone’s ID before they sell them something like a knife and it’s really positive that so many have passed.
“It’s obviously disappointing when a retailer fails the test but hopefully this will be an opportunity to provide some learning for those stores.
“Test purchasing is one of a range of activities we carry out to tackle knife crime and are just another way we’re protecting Essex.”
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