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First trader signs up to anti-knife campaign

25/02/2009
First trader signs up to anti-knife campaign

The first retailer has signed up to a new campaign in Lambeth designed to stop knives getting into the hands of young people.

Poundland in Brixton has become the first business to sign up to ‘Lives not Knives’, a new initiative by the Safer Lambeth Partnership to tackle underage knife sales and encourage retailers to act responsibly.

Regional Managers Karen Spencer-Pickup and Rachid Adili, joined Chair of Lambeth First Steve Reed to sign the ‘Lambeth No Knife Charter’ on Wednesday, which pledges retailers to only sell knives to over 18s and to ask those who look under 21 for ID, as well as making sure their staff are properly trained.

The campaign comes after surveys by Lambeth Council Trading Standards officers that found that nearly half of shops tested were prepared to sell knives to children.

Chair of Lambeth First Steve Reed said: “I’m delighted that Poundland, as a responsible retailer, has become the first business to sign up to this initiative. Ultimately we want all businesses in Lambeth to sign up to this, so that no shop sells knives to people under 18 and staff are well trained to challenge anyone who looks under 21 to prove their age.

“This initiative alone will not stop people carrying knives, but if we can make it hard for people to get hold of knives and reduce the number in circulation then that is an important step in the right direction.

“There is no excuse for selling knives to people underage and retailers have responsibilities to the communities they serve. We’ll continue to run undercover operations to catch irresponsible retailers and make our streets safer. The advice is simple - no ID, no sale.”

Chief Inspector Jon Kirkpatrick of Lambeth Police, said "The commitment, drive and focus in continuing to reduce levels of violence in Lambeth is very important for the Safer Lambeth Partnership. It’s a priority of ours to reduce knife crime in the borough, the implementation of this excellent initiative shows the joint efforts of the partnership working together to introduce citizen focused initiatives that contribute to making Lambeth a safe environment for all."

Trading Standards officers will be visiting premises across the borough to sign up businesses to the campaign, which will include training for shop staff who sell knives as well as an agreement to ask anyone who looks under 21 for proof of age ID.

Residents who suspect shops that are selling knives, alcohol or other age restricted goods to people underage should contact Lambeth Council Trading Standards on 020 7926 6102.

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