Information on Loughborough
News Index
2012
Feb 2012Jan 2012
2011
Dec 2011Nov 2011
Oct 2011
Sep 2011
Aug 2011
Jul 2011
Jun 2011
May 2011
Apr 2011
Mar 2011
Feb 2011
Jan 2011
2010
Dec 2010Nov 2010
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
Jul 2010
Jun 2010
May 2010
Apr 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
2009
Dec 2009Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
Feb 2008
Jan 2008
2007
Dec 2007Nov 2007
Oct 2007
Sep 2007
Aug 2007
Jul 2007
Jun 2007
May 2007
Knife sellers warned to sharpen up their act
Posted on 03/12/2007
P. Klein
Trading Standards has warned that businesses in Loughborough, Charnwood and the rest of Leicestershire which sell knives to children risk a £5,000 fine or go to prison for six months.
Trading Standards will be actively checking observance with the law, using volunteer child test purchasers. Businesses and their staff that sell illegally risk a £5000 fine and/or 6 months in prison.
The age at which it is lawful to buy a knife was raissed on 1st October from 16 to 18. The change was introduced in a effort to reduce the number of youngsters who carry knives. Since 2000, young people aged 10 to 17 have accounted for one fifth of those who have been convicted of illegally carrying a knife.
Prior to the law change, over a quarter of County retailers subjected to test purchasing sold knives illegally to children under 16. This is a worrying statistic particularly as knives in the hands of youngsters can result in devastating consequences. The reality is that a youngster seeking to boost their "street cred. by carrying a blade may put themselves in a position where somebody could be killed.
David Bull, Head of Trading Standards said: "I urge retailers to pay special attention to this change in the law and make sure they and their staff do not make illegal underage sales of knives. Proper staff training that is recorded and regularly refreshed is vital including ways in which age determination can be tackled. What to some may seem like a burden on business, could potentially save lives.
Businesses in the County who would like a free pack of practical precautions or consider they need further advice to deal with age restricted sales should contact the Trading Standards Business Advice Line on 0116 3058000.
Inspector Richard Hiom said: "Leicestershire Constabulary fully support this change in the law and will work hard with partners to ensure that it is enforced. Knife crime is very rare however can have a devastating effect on families and communities. The more that we can do to protect children the better society will be and retailers can start by taking positive action and not selling to those under 18"