Underage cadets able to purchase knives in 'sting'

POLICE OPERATION USED TO EDUCATE RETAILERS

- TOBY CODD

TWO undercover police cadets were able to buy knives from a number of shops in Plymouth despite being underage. Devon and Cornwall Police said the operation was aimed to establish how easy it was for people under the age of 18 to buy knives in the city.

Plain-clothed officers were joined by citizens in policing, as two police cadets under the age of 18 volunteered to take part in the operation. They visited 21 retailers across Plymouth, ranging from independent stores to national high street chains, in an attempt to buy different types of bladed article.

Of the 21 retailers visited, 14 passed by following the 'Challenge 25' protocol, requesting ID at the earliest opportunity and refusing to sell the bladed article to the young person. However, seven retailers failed to check the bladed article was not being sold to an underage person.

Devon and Cornwall Police said no offences were committed during the operation as a plain-clothed officer stepped in before the purchase took place. In total, the team prevented 23 knives from being sold to the underage police volunteers.