'Deeply troubling' - Teenage test purchasers able to buy knives from 25% of shops in undercover operation

Teenage ‘test purchasers’ were able to buy knives from one in four shops during undercover operations across Lancashire, despite laws banning the sale of blades to anyone under 18.

The findings emerged following a joint operation carried out by Lancashire Trading Standards and Lancashire Police as part of Sceptre, a twice-yearly countywide campaign targeting knife crime and illegal knife sales.

Underage volunteers aged between 14 and 16 visited 49 shops across Lancashire between May 16 and May 23 in an attempt to buy knives and other bladed articles. Twelve of those businesses sold a knife to a test purchaser.

Although the results have raised fresh concerns about the ease with which young people can access knives on the high street, authorities said the figures do show some improvement compared with the previous operation in November 2025, when one in three shops tested illegally sold knives to underage buyers.

Devastating for families and communities

Councillor Joshua Roberts said: "Working with the police on Sceptre means we can take decisive action against those who choose to break the law and put lives at risk. Knife crime devastates families and communities, which is why it is so important we do everything we can to stop young people getting hold of knives in the first place.

“It is deeply troubling that local businesses were ready to sell knives to children. Our Trading Standards team is committed to protecting residents and standing up for our communities, especially when it comes to keeping young people safe.”

Trading Standards officers also investigated online knife sales across the county. Twenty-one businesses were identified as selling knives online, although test purchases could only be attempted from seven retailers. So far, two deliveries have been received.

Officials said many retailers across Lancashire continue to act responsibly, with more than 300 businesses now signed up to the county’s Responsible Retailer Scheme. The initiative supports businesses in safely storing and selling knives and is open to all retailers selling bladed products, ranging from low-cost craft knives to professional kitchen knives.

The scheme was launched in Chorley in November 2025 by Councillor Joshua Roberts, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, and has continued to expand across the county.

Stop the sale and supply of knives

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: “Knife crime isn’t an issue policing can solve in isolation. Stopping the sale and supply of knives solely intended to harm, along with supply to young people is an issue we can only address by working in partnership.

“It's encouraging to see the proactive work of the Trading Standards Team, helping to tackle the issue at its root. Tackling knife crime is about much more than seizing knives and making arrests. 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.”

Ensuring Lancashire remains safe

Violence Reduction Network Chief Inspector Gemma Barr said: “Working in close partnership with Lancashire County Council’s Trading Standards team is vital in our shared effort to tackle knife crime across the county.

“By carrying out proactive test‑purchasing operations and holding retailers to account, we’re sending a clear message that the sale of knives to underage individuals will not be tolerated. These joint actions help prevent dangerous weapons from getting into the wrong hands and play an important role in keeping our communities safe.

“Sceptre knife crime awareness week allows us to shine a light on the proactive work being done by the police and our partners year-round to ensure that Lancashire remains a safe place to live, work or visit.”