Police and Trading Standards crack down on sale of knives to minors in Lancashire
Operation Sceptre targets unlawful sales of knives through test purchasing initiative
Fylde Police, alongside Lancashire County Council Trading Standards, have conducted a successful test purchasing operation aimed at combatting underage sales of knives and other bladed items.
On Monday, 18th May 2026, officers and Trading Standards visited seven stores across Fylde in response to public concerns regarding potential unlawful sales.
One store failed to verify the age of a 14-year-old buyer, resulting in the sale of a retractable knife.
Consequently, Lancashire Council's Trading Standards team will engage directly with the store to address compliance issues.
The remaining six stores successfully passed the test, adhering to legal requirements.
Operation Sceptre
This initiative forms part of "Sceptre," a national campaign led by Lancashire's Violence Reduction Network (LVRN).
The campaign focuses on enforcement, prevention, education, and community engagement in tackling knife crime.
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Fylde, Adam Robinson, stressed the significance of proactive enforcement in preventing underage knife sales.
"Our priority is to work with businesses and our colleagues at Lancashire County Council to ensure compliance and keep young people safe," Robinson stated.
Councillor Joshua Roberts emphasised the importance of collaboration between Trading Standards and law enforcement to curb knife crime.
He highlighted the devastating impact knife crime can have on families and communities, underscoring the urgency of preventing young people from accessing such items.
Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, reiterated the need for joint efforts, recognising that tackling knife crime requires more than policing alone.
Grunshaw said: "Through my Violence Reduction Network, I will continue to champion initiatives that prevent and intervene in serious violence, helping to make Lancashire a safer place for everyone."
This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of community-driven enforcement in addressing the sale of potentially harmful items to underage individuals.