15.05.23 – Ditch the Blade Campaign
Written by Hitmix Local News on 14 May 2023
Shops and traders in Staffordshire who sell knives are being reminded of their responsibilities as part of a national campaign to reduce knife crime.
The ‘Ditch the Blade campaign’ starting today through to 28 May is being co-ordinated by Staffordshire Police.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service is playing its role by supporting local shops and retailers to make sure they are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to selling knives.
Trading Standards officers regularly carry out test purchases across the county to ensure knives and other age-restricted products are not being sold to anyone under the age of 18.”
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “Knife crime is a concern for everyone, however, thankfully Staffordshire remains a place where incidents are rare.
Chief Inspector Rob Hessell, who leads on Knife Crime for the force said: “It’s really important that we all work together as a partnership to tackle knife crime, as it’s not something that can be solved by one organisation alone.
“Trading Standards are a key partner in our work to reduce the number of knives on the streets through the campaign, and their work to check retailer compliance on knife sales, ensuring young people are challenged at the point of attempted purchase, is vital to making our communities a safer place to be.”
People can find out more about the campaign at Ditch the Blade website. People can report illegal knife sales on our Trading Standards confidential number 01785 330356.
